7.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
emollient · surfactant · solvent · thickener
Dodecan-1-Ol
Also known as: 1-Dodecanol, Dodecanol, Dodecyl alcohol
Molecular Formula
C12H22O
Molecular Weight
182.30 g/mol
Category
alcohol
Bottom Line: Dodecan-1-ol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
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 alcohols
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C12H22O |
| Molecular Weight | 182.30 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 73.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.8 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, food additives. Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use under medical supervision if sensitive.
Household
Cleaning agents, air fresheners. Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid skin contact.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dodecan-1-ol is generally well tolerated on the skin with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Dodecan-1-ol may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but may cause mild respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes may cause significant irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to potential irritants and adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; consult healthcare provider.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with low irritation potential.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivities.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity in infants and children; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is recommended. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but age-related sensitivities may occur. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Dodecan-1-ol has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
| 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 | non-sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
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
Dodecan-1-ol has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Fatty Alcohols
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Dodecan-1-ol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Dodecan-1-ol is considered safe for use as a food flavoring.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additives Status List
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Dodecan-1-ol is permitted for use in food products.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Dodecan-1-ol 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
Dodecan-1-ol is generally safe, but those with sensitive skin should patch test first.
Yes, it is recognized as safe for use in food flavoring applications.
If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:22:46.707367Z | — | 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.