9.0
ISS Score
A+ — Excellent — very low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
preservative · antimicrobial agent · stabilizer
Pentadecanolide
Also known as: Cyclopentadecanolide, Exaltolide, Ambrettolide
Trade Names: Exaltolide
Odor: Musky, powdery, floral, sweet
Molecular Formula
C10H18O3
Molecular Weight
186.25 g/mol
Category
preservation
Bottom Line: Generally regarded as safe in regulated uses, though individual reactions may vary based on skin type and product formulation.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in recommended concentrations
- Formulated for specific skin types
- Patch tested prior to use
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin
- Using multiple active ingredients
- Pregnant or nursing
✕ Avoid If:
- You have known allergies to similar compounds
- Experiencing skin irritation or reactions
- Using on broken or inflamed skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H18O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 186.25 g/mol |
| Solubility | less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Log P | 2.3 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, moisturizers. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Food additives, flavorings. Generally recognized as safe when used as intended.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, prescription creams. Use under medical supervision for best results.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutraceuticals. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure is generally well tolerated with minimal irritation reported.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Oral ingestion may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Very Low
Ocular exposure is generally well tolerated with minimal irritation expected.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher susceptibility to adverse effects due to developing systems.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for exposure compared to other populations. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Pregnant individuals may have heightened sensitivity to certain substances. |
| infants_children | High | Infants and children are more susceptible to adverse effects due to their developing systems. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Substances can transfer through breast milk; caution is advised. |
| elderly | Moderate | Elderly individuals may have decreased physiological resilience. |
Toxicology Data
4 Endpoints
Available assessments indicate moderate safety for topical and food use, though individual sensitivities may occur.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | >5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2021) |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating | Human Patch Test | No irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2021) |
| Sensitization | Not sensitizing | Human Clinical Study | No sensitization reactions reported | CIR Safety Assessment (2021) |
| Eye Irritation | Mild irritation | Rabbit - Draize Test | Mild irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (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
Available assessments indicate moderate safety for topical and food use, though individual sensitivities may occur.
- Generally safe in cosmetics and food applications
- Moderate concern for sensitive individuals
- Patch testing recommended for topical use
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ingredient
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Generally safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Food Additives
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food products within established limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status List
Year: 2023
Conclusion: Permitted for use in food products as a safe additive.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Overall, the ingredient is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with no significant restrictions. 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
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should patch test before use to avoid reactions.
Consult your healthcare provider before using products with this ingredient during pregnancy for safety.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs after using products with this ingredient.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T02:15:22.331506Z | — | 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.