OXIRANECARBOXYLIC ACID, 3-METHYL-3-PHENYL-, ETHYL — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™
66.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
Confidence
(CSS)
intermediate in chemical synthesis · potential flavoring agent · possible cosmetic ingredient · chemical reagent

OXIRANECARBOXYLIC ACID, 3-METHYL-3-PHENYL-, ETHYL

CAS No.: 77-83-8  ·  INCI: OXIRANECARBOXYLIC ACID, 3-METHYL-3-PHENYL-, ETHYL  ·  Updated: 2026-04-19
Category
organic compound

Bottom Line: Generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and food, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.

synthetic chemical intermediate potentially versatile CAS 77-83-8
Quick Answer

✔ Generally Safe If:

  • Used in concentrations below recommended limits
  • Formulated in products designed for sensitive skin
  • Used in food products within regulatory guidelines

⚠ Use with Awareness If:

  • You have a history of skin allergies
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You are using multiple products containing similar ingredients

✕ Avoid If:

  • You experience irritation or allergic reactions
  • You are using on broken or inflamed skin
  • You are allergic to related compounds
Chemical Properties
PropertyValue
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, preservatives. Used within regulatory limits; check for allergies.
Pharmaceutical
Topical medications, oral formulations. Safety assessed for specific uses; consult a healthcare provider.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutraceuticals. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to the mixture is generally low risk, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of this mixture may pose moderate risks, including potential gastrointestinal irritation.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation risks are typically low to moderate, depending on concentration and exposure duration.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with the mixture can cause significant irritation and potential damage.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
  • infants_children — Higher risk due to developing systems and potential for adverse reactions.
  • pregnant — Caution advised due to limited data on effects during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
  • general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risks.
  • elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
PopulationRisk LevelConsiderations
general_adultLowGenerally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary.
pregnantModerateLimited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised.
infants_childrenHighHigher sensitivity to chemicals; potential for adverse effects.
breastfeedingLow to ModerateLimited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is recommended.
elderlyLowGenerally well tolerated, but may have increased sensitivity.
sensitive_skinModerateIndividuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints

Oxiranecarboxylic acid, 3-methyl-3-phenyl-, ethyl is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food, with some precautions.

EndpointValueTest MethodInterpretationSource
LD50 Oral 5000 mg/kg Rat - Oral gavage Low acute toxicity CIR Safety Assessment (2021)
Skin Irritation non-irritating Rabbit - Dermal application No irritation observed SCCS Opinion (2022)
Sensitization not sensitizing Guinea Pig - Maximization test No sensitization observed EFSA Opinion (2020)
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

Oxiranecarboxylic acid, 3-methyl-3-phenyl-, ethyl is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food, with some precautions.

  • Regulatory bodies have assessed its safety.
  • Used in various cosmetic and food products.
  • Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.

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

CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Oxiranecarboxylic Acid
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Oxiranecarboxylic Acid
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food applications within specified limits.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Oxiranecarboxylic Acid in Cosmetics
Year: 2022
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products with appropriate labeling.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global

Regulatory assessments indicate it 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.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with this ingredient during pregnancy.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
VersionDateISS ScoreWhat Changed
1.0.0 - Initial enrichment 2026-04-19T20:27:25.005909Z 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.
OXIRANECARBOXYLIC ACID, 3-METHYL-3-PHENYL-, ETHYL — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™ | HumanSafe™