10.0
ISS Score
A+ — Excellent — very low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · solvent · emollient
Ethyl Octanoate
Also known as: octanoic acid ethyl ester, ethyl caprylate
Molecular Formula
C10H20O2
Molecular Weight
172.26 g/mol
Category
ester
Bottom Line: Ethyl Octanoate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though individual sensitivities may vary.
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 esters
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H20O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 172.26 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -43.1°C |
| Boiling Point | 206.0°C |
| Solubility | 1ml in 4ml 70% ethanol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3.5 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, food additives. Considered safe for food use within regulatory limits.
Pharmaceutical
Excipients, topical formulations. Used in formulations; safety assessed for specific uses.
Supplement
Flavoring agents in supplements. Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Ethyl Octanoate is generally well tolerated on the skin with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of Ethyl Octanoate is typically safe in food applications but may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure is generally low risk, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with Ethyl Octanoate can cause irritation; caution is advised.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposure; use caution.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- elderly — Generally safe but monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults; minimal risk with proper use. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive; use with caution. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Generally considered safe, but limited data available. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Ethyl Octanoate is an ester with low toxicity and is widely used in cosmetics and food products.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | Not irritating | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
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
Ethyl Octanoate is an ester with low toxicity and is widely used in cosmetics and food products.
- Low acute toxicity and irritation potential.
- Used safely in various cosmetic and food applications.
- Regulatory bodies support its use with guidelines.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ethyl Octanoate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Ethyl Octanoate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Ethyl Octanoate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Ethyl Octanoate is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additives Status List
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Ethyl Octanoate is permitted for use in food applications.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Ethyl Octanoate 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
Ethyl Octanoate is generally safe, but individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test.
Yes, it is permitted as a flavoring agent in food, but should be used within regulatory limits.
While generally safe, it may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:41:30.932998Z | — | 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.