6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · solvent · intermediate in chemical synthesis
Octanal
Also known as: caprylaldehyde, octanaldehyde, n-octanal
Molecular Formula
C8H16O
Molecular Weight
128.21 g/mol
Category
aldehyde
Bottom Line: Octanal is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- applied to intact skin
- not combined with known irritants
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other active ingredients
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to aldehydes
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using it in high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H16O |
| Molecular Weight | 128.21 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -23.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 171.0°C |
| Solubility | 1ml in 2ml of 70% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Density | 0.8211 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 2.7 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, creams. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, food additives. Considered safe for food use in regulated amounts.
Pharmaceutical
Topical medications, scented ointments. Use with caution in sensitive formulations.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Safe for household use, avoid direct skin contact.
Supplement
Flavoring agents in supplements. Generally safe when used in small amounts.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Octanal is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of octanal may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure to octanal may cause mild respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to irritants and potential adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Potential for increased sensitivity and caution advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe with caution advised.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for octanal exposure. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Pregnant individuals may have heightened sensitivity to certain substances. |
| infants_children | High | Children's skin and respiratory systems are more sensitive to irritants. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on octanal transfer through breast milk. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Octanal is an aldehyde used in various applications, with moderate safety assessments supporting its use.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | Not a skin irritant | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | no sensitization observed | Human sensitization study | Low sensitization potential | EFSA Opinion (2015) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Octanal is an aldehyde used in various applications, with moderate safety assessments supporting its use.
- Commonly used as a fragrance and flavoring agent.
- Moderate safety concerns for sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory bodies have assessed its safety.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Octanal
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Octanal is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Octanal
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Octanal is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Octanal is permitted as a flavoring substance in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Octanal is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, octanal is generally safe in cosmetics at low concentrations, though some may experience irritation.
Though rare, octanal may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals; patch testing is advised.
Yes, octanal is permitted as a flavoring agent in food products under FDA and EFSA regulations.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:28:37.554955Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.