9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · flavoring agent
6-Methoxy-2,6-Dimethylheptanal
Molecular Formula
C10H20O2
Molecular Weight
172.26 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: 6-Methoxy-2,6-Dimethylheptanal is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not combined with known allergens
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other fragrance products
- you have respiratory conditions
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to fragrance ingredients
- you experience irritation or discomfort
- you are using on children without testing
- you have a history of skin reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H20O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 172.26 g/mol |
| Log P | 1.8 |
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, lotions, shampoos. Use in moderation and patch test for sensitivity.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe in food applications at regulated levels.
Supplement
Flavoring in dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to 6-Methoxy-2,6-Dimethylheptanal is generally considered low risk for skin contact.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of 6-Methoxy-2,6-Dimethylheptanal may pose moderate risks, particularly in high doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low to moderate risk, depending on concentration and duration.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Eye contact with 6-Methoxy-2,6-Dimethylheptanal is generally low risk but may cause irritation.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures may lead to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Potential risks during pregnancy are not fully established.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated in healthy adults.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults with no significant health issues. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; potential risks are not fully understood. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is advised. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
6-Methoxy-2,6-Dimethylheptanal has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, 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 | Human patch test | No irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2019) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions | EFSA Opinion (2018) |
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
6-Methoxy-2,6-Dimethylheptanal has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics.
- Limited data on long-term effects.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Fragrance Ingredients
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavouring
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food flavoring.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Fragrance Substances
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics with restrictions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
6-Methoxy-2,6-Dimethylheptanal is permitted in major jurisdictions with specific guidelines. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics must comply with SCCS guidelines.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Must comply with UK cosmetic regulations.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
It may cause irritation in sensitive individuals; patch testing is recommended.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with this ingredient during pregnancy.
Potential side effects include skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T03:49:04.592365Z | — | 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.