5-Cyclohexadecenone — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™
10.0
ISS Score
A+ — Excellent — very low hazard
Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
Confidence
(CSS)
fragrance ingredient · solvent · intermediate in organic synthesis

5-Cyclohexadecenone

CAS No.: 37609-25-9  ·  INCI: 5-CYCLOHEXADECENONE  ·  Updated: 2026-04-13
Molecular Formula
C16H28O
Molecular Weight
236.39 g/mol
Category
chemical compound

Bottom Line: 5-Cyclohexadecenone is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and household products, though caution is advised for sensitive skin.

natural aroma solvent properties sustainable sourcing CAS 37609-25-9
Quick Answer

✔ Generally Safe If:

  • Used in low concentrations in cosmetic formulations
  • Not applied to broken or irritated skin
  • Used in well-ventilated areas for household products

⚠ Use with Awareness If:

  • You have sensitive skin or allergies
  • Using alongside other active ingredients
  • Pregnant or nursing women considering use

✕ Avoid If:

  • You have a known allergy to similar compounds
  • Using on open wounds or damaged skin
  • Using in high concentrations without dilution
Chemical Properties
PropertyValue
Molecular FormulaC16H28O
Molecular Weight236.39 g/mol
Log P5.6
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, hair conditioners. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Household
Cleaning agents, air fresheners. Ensure good ventilation when using household products.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to 5-Cyclohexadecenone is generally low risk for skin contact.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of 5-Cyclohexadecenone may pose moderate risks due to potential toxicity.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low to moderate risk, depending on concentration.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with 5-Cyclohexadecenone may cause significant irritation and damage.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
  • infants_children — Higher sensitivity and risk of adverse effects.
  • pregnant — Limited data; potential risks to fetal development.
  • sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
  • general_adult — Generally well tolerated with proper use.
  • elderly — Typically low to moderate risk; monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
PopulationRisk LevelConsiderations
general_adultLowGenerally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary.
pregnantModerateLimited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised.
infants_childrenVery HighHigher sensitivity in infants and children; potential for adverse effects.
breastfeedingModerateLimited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is warranted.
elderlyLow to ModerateElderly may have increased sensitivity; monitor for adverse reactions.
sensitive_skinHighIndividuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints

5-Cyclohexadecenone has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and household products, showing low toxicity.

EndpointValueTest MethodInterpretationSource
LD50 Oral 5000 mg/kg Rat - Oral gavage Low acute toxicity CIR Safety Assessment (2015)
Skin Irritation non-irritating Rabbit - Draize test No irritation observed SCCS Opinion (2016)
Sensitization non-sensitizing Guinea Pig - Maximization test No sensitization observed FDA Regulatory Status (2021)
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

5-Cyclohexadecenone has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and household products, showing low toxicity.

  • Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
  • Generally recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations.
  • Limited data on long-term exposure effects.

Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.

CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of 5-Cyclohexadecenone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on 5-Cyclohexadecenone
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Considered safe for cosmetic use with restrictions.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of 5-Cyclohexadecenone
Year: 2021
Conclusion: No restrictions on use in cosmetics and household products.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global

5-Cyclohexadecenone is permitted for use in cosmetics and household products across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.

US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, those with sensitive skin should conduct a patch test first.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with this ingredient during pregnancy.
Potential side effects may include skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
VersionDateISS ScoreWhat Changed
1.0.0 - Initial enrichment 2026-04-13T03:41:57.906801Z 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.