9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · emollient
Tetramethyl-1-Hexadecen-3-Ol
Molecular Formula
C20H40O
Molecular Weight
296.5 g/mol
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Tetramethyl-1-Hexadecen-3-Ol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in concentrations below recommended limits
- Not applied to broken skin
- Used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- Using in combination with other active ingredients
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to similar compounds
- Using on open wounds or irritated skin
- Exceeding recommended usage levels
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C20H40O |
| Molecular Weight | 296.5 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 107.0°C |
| Solubility | Very soluble in benzene, ether, ethanol |
| Log P | 7.8 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, skin creams, hair products. Generally safe for topical use; avoid sensitive areas.
Food
Flavoring agents, food additives. Used in low concentrations; check for allergies.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutraceuticals. Use under guidance; potential interactions possible.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Tetramethyl-1-Hexadecen-3-Ol is generally well tolerated on skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal discomfort; moderate caution is advised.
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; avoid direct exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity and risk of adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; caution advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with low risk.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated; monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; monitor for any adverse reactions. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity in young children; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data; potential for transfer through milk. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated; monitor for sensitivity. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Tetramethyl-1-Hexadecen-3-Ol has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | EFSA Opinion (2018) |
| 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
Tetramethyl-1-Hexadecen-3-Ol has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity observed in studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in regulated concentrations.
- Limited data on long-term effects.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Tetramethyl-1-Hexadecen-3-Ol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on the safety of Tetramethyl-1-Hexadecen-3-Ol
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of Tetramethyl-1-Hexadecen-3-Ol
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted for use in food and cosmetics under specific conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Tetramethyl-1-Hexadecen-3-Ol is generally permitted in major jurisdictions with safety guidelines. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
Use in accordance with safety guidelines.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Must comply with safety assessments.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Subject to safety evaluations.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Follow safety guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should perform 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
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T08:02:29.405717Z | — | 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.