Diethyldimethylcyclohexenone — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™
6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
Confidence
(CSS)
fragrance ingredient · solvent · stabilizer · intermediate

Diethyldimethylcyclohexenone

CAS No.: 68845-36-3  ·  INCI: DIETHYLDIMETHYLCYCLOHEXENONE  ·  Updated: 2026-04-13
Molecular Formula
C12H20O
Molecular Weight
180.29 g/mol
Category
chemical compound

Bottom Line: Diethyldimethylcyclohexenone is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.

fragrant solvent stabilizing agent CAS 68845-36-3
Quick Answer

✔ Generally Safe If:

  • used in low concentrations
  • applied to intact skin
  • not combined with known irritants

⚠ Use with Awareness If:

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

✕ Avoid If:

  • you have a known allergy to similar compounds
  • you experience irritation or allergic reactions
  • you are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
PropertyValue
Molecular FormulaC12H20O
Molecular Weight180.29 g/mol
Log P2.9
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, hair conditioners. Use in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, food additives. Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, prescription creams. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Household
Cleaning agents, air fresheners. Ensure proper ventilation when using household products.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal products. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Diethyldimethylcyclohexenone shows low dermal irritation potential based on available studies.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; moderate caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may cause mild respiratory irritation; use in well-ventilated areas.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; avoid direct exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
  • infants_children — Higher risk due to developing systems and potential for adverse reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
  • general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
  • elderly — Generally well tolerated, but should be monitored for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
PopulationRisk LevelConsiderations
general_adultLowGenerally well tolerated by adults; monitor for any adverse reactions.
pregnantModerateLimited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised.
infants_childrenHighHigher sensitivity in young children; potential for adverse effects.
breastfeedingLow to ModerateLimited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution.
elderlyLowGenerally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity.
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints

Diethyldimethylcyclohexenone has limited safety data, with some studies indicating low toxicity.

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 EFSA Opinion (2016)
Sensitization not 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

Diethyldimethylcyclohexenone has limited safety data, with some studies indicating low toxicity.

  • Limited data on long-term exposure.
  • Potential for skin irritation.
  • Regulatory assessments vary by region.

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

CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Diethyldimethylcyclohexenone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Diethyldimethylcyclohexenone
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Considered safe as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: No objection to use in food products.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global

Diethyldimethylcyclohexenone 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, it may cause irritation for sensitive skin types.
Consult a healthcare provider before using during pregnancy or nursing.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Version History
Audit Trail
VersionDateISS ScoreWhat Changed
1.0.0 - Initial enrichment 2026-04-13T05:08:40.276742Z 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.