6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · solvent · emollient
Ethyl Hexanoate
Also known as: ethyl caproate, ethyl hexanoic acid ester
Molecular Formula
C8H16O2
Molecular Weight
144.21 g/mol
Category
ester
Bottom Line: Ethyl hexanoate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- applied to intact skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not ingested in large amounts
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you have allergies to esters
- you are using other skin products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to ethyl hexanoate
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using on broken skin
- you are consuming in large quantities
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H16O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 144.21 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -67.5°C |
| Boiling Point | 166.0°C |
| Solubility | 1ml in 2ml 70% ethanol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2.4 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, hair conditioners. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, confectionery. Generally recognized as safe when used in food applications.
Pharmaceutical
Excipients, topical formulations. Used in formulations; ensure proper dosage.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Use in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation risks.
Supplement
Flavoring in dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Ethyl Hexanoate is generally safe for skin contact but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of Ethyl Hexanoate is typically safe in food applications, but excessive amounts may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure to Ethyl Hexanoate is generally low risk, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with Ethyl Hexanoate may cause irritation; rinsing is recommended if contact occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures may lead to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Low risk expected, but caution is advised.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Minimal risk expected, but limited data available. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
4 Endpoints
Ethyl hexanoate is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
| 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 to skin | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Inhalation Toxicity | no adverse effects observed | Rat - Inhalation exposure | Low concern for inhalation | EFSA Opinion (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
Ethyl hexanoate is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- Minimal skin irritation reported.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ethyl Hexanoate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Ethyl hexanoate is safe as used in cosmetics.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Ethyl Hexanoate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Ethyl hexanoate is safe for use in food at specified levels.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additives Status List
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Ethyl hexanoate is permitted for use in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Ethyl hexanoate is generally permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. 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
Generally, ethyl hexanoate is safe for topical application, but patch testing is recommended for sensitive skin.
Yes, ethyl hexanoate is recognized as safe for use in food products at specified levels.
If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:34:30.561071Z | — | 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.