7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
preservative · antimicrobial agent · stabilizer
Aldehyde C-12 MNA
Also known as: Aldehyde C12 MNA, 2-Methylundecanal, Methylundecanal
Trade Names: Aldehyde C12 MNA · Aldehyde MNA · C-12 MNA
Odor: Intense, waxy, fatty, aldehydic with floral and citrus nuances
Molecular Formula
C16H32O
Molecular Weight
240.42 g/mol
Category
preservation
Bottom Line: Generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though individual reactions may vary based on sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in recommended concentrations
- not combined with known irritants
- patch tested for skin sensitivity
- used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in conjunction with other active ingredients
- applying to broken or irritated skin
- consuming in large quantities
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or nursing without consulting a doctor
- you have a known allergy to similar compounds
- you experience adverse reactions after use
- using in high concentrations without guidance
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C16H32O |
| Molecular Weight | 240.42 g/mol |
| Log P | 5.5 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, food preservatives. Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, oral medications. Consult healthcare provider for medicinal use.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal extracts. Use under guidance; potential interactions exist.
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 pose moderate risks, particularly at high doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Ocular exposure can lead to significant irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk due to developing systems and potential for adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Moderate risk due to potential effects on fetal development.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Typically well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally healthy adults can tolerate exposure without significant issues. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Pregnant individuals may have heightened sensitivity to certain substances. |
| infants_children | High | Infants and children are more vulnerable to adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; caution is advised. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities; monitor usage. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Evidence suggests moderate safety for cosmetic and food applications, though individual reactions may vary.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2021) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2021) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization reactions noted | 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
Evidence suggests moderate safety for cosmetic and food applications, though individual reactions may vary.
- Generally safe in recommended uses.
- Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory reviews support its use in cosmetics and food.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ingredient
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Food Additives
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a food additive.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food and Cosmetic Ingredient Safety
Year: 2022
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe for specified uses.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Overall, the ingredient is permitted for use in 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.
Consult your healthcare provider before using any products during pregnancy.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T02:18:09.317439Z | — | 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.