Ethyl Hydroxypyrone — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™
6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
Confidence
(CSS)
chelating agent · antioxidant · skin conditioning agent · preservative

Ethyl Hydroxypyrone

CAS No.: 4940-11-8  ·  INCI: ETHYL HYDROXYPYRONE  ·  Updated: 2026-04-13
Molecular Formula
C7H8O3
Molecular Weight
140.14 g/mol
Category
chemical compound

Bottom Line: Ethyl Hydroxypyrone is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though caution is advised in sensitive populations.

natural origin skin-friendly antioxidant-rich CAS 4940-11-8
Quick Answer

✔ Generally Safe If:

  • used in recommended concentrations
  • not applied to broken skin
  • used in well-formulated products

⚠ Use with Awareness If:

  • you have sensitive skin or allergies
  • you are pregnant or nursing
  • you are using other active ingredients

✕ Avoid If:

  • you experience irritation or allergic reactions
  • you have a known hypersensitivity to similar compounds
  • you are using on open wounds
Chemical Properties
PropertyValue
Molecular FormulaC7H8O3
Molecular Weight140.14 g/mol
Melting Point90.0°C
Boiling Point289.0°C
SolubilitySoluble (in ethanol)
Log P0.8
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, serums, sunscreens. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, food preservatives. Considered safe for use in food products within regulatory limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical treatments, oral supplements. Used in pharmaceuticals with established safety profiles.
Supplement
Antioxidant supplements, health boosters. Generally safe when used in recommended dosages.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Ethyl Hydroxypyrone is generally well tolerated on the skin with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Ethyl Hydroxypyrone may pose moderate risks, particularly in high doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Limited data exists on the inhalation safety of Ethyl Hydroxypyrone.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Eye contact may cause mild irritation, but significant effects are unlikely.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
  • infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposure may lead to adverse effects.
  • pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
  • general_adult — Typically well tolerated in healthy adults.
  • elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivities.
Population-Specific Safety Data
PopulationRisk LevelConsiderations
general_adultLowGenerally healthy adults can tolerate Ethyl Hydroxypyrone without significant issues.
pregnantModerateLimited studies on pregnant women; caution is advised.
infants_childrenHighChildren may be more sensitive to chemical exposure.
breastfeedingLow to ModerateLimited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution.
elderlyLowGenerally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary.
sensitive_skinModerateIndividuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints

Ethyl Hydroxypyrone has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and good safety profiles.

EndpointValueTest MethodInterpretationSource
LD50 Oral 5000 mg/kg Rat - Oral gavage Low acute toxicity CIR Safety Assessment (2015)
Skin Irritation non-irritating Rabbit - Dermal application No irritation observed CIR Safety Assessment (2015)
Sensitization non-sensitizing Guinea Pig - Maximization test No sensitization observed CIR Safety Assessment (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

Ethyl Hydroxypyrone has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and good safety profiles.

  • Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
  • No significant adverse effects reported in cosmetic use.
  • Regulatory bodies support its safe use in specified applications.

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

CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ethyl Hydroxypyrone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Ethyl Hydroxypyrone is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Ethyl Hydroxypyrone
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Ethyl Hydroxypyrone is safe for use in food at specified limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Ingredients and Colors
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Ethyl Hydroxypyrone is generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global

Ethyl Hydroxypyrone is permitted for use in cosmetics and food 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, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test first.
Yes, it is permitted in food products within established safety limits.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation persists.
Version History
Audit Trail
VersionDateISS ScoreWhat Changed
1.0.0 - Initial enrichment 2026-04-13T05:37:39.014363Z 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.
Ethyl Hydroxypyrone — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™ | HumanSafe™