7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
preservative · antioxidant · fragrance ingredient · skin conditioning agent
Methyl Dihydroxy-Dimethylbenzoate
Molecular Formula
C10H12O4
Molecular Weight
196.20 g/mol
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Methyl Dihydroxy-Dimethylbenzoate is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though caution is advised with sensitive skin.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in concentrations below 1%
- applied to intact skin
- used in well-formulated products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other active ingredients
✕ Avoid If:
- you have known allergies to similar compounds
- you experience irritation or redness
- you are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H12O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 196.20 g/mol |
| Log P | 2.3 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations when used appropriately.
Food
Flavoring agents, food preservatives. Use in food is regulated; ensure compliance with local laws.
Pharmaceutical
Topical medications, ointments. Monitor for skin reactions; consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutraceuticals. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Methyl Dihydroxy-Dimethylbenzoate is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Methyl Dihydroxy-Dimethylbenzoate may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with Methyl Dihydroxy-Dimethylbenzoate can cause significant irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher susceptibility to adverse effects due to developing systems.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; potential risks should be evaluated.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally low risk, 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 | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; potential risks should be considered. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more susceptible to adverse effects; use with caution. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is advised. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Methyl Dihydroxy-Dimethylbenzoate is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2019) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions | EFSA Opinion (2018) |
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
Methyl Dihydroxy-Dimethylbenzoate is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics.
- Limited data on long-term effects.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Methyl Dihydroxy-Dimethylbenzoate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Methyl Dihydroxy-Dimethylbenzoate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe as a food additive within specified limits.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Methyl Dihydroxy-Dimethylbenzoate
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products under certain conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Methyl Dihydroxy-Dimethylbenzoate is permitted in major jurisdictions with specific regulations. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics regulated
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should use caution.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with this ingredient if pregnant.
Possible side effects include skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:49:06.339531Z | — | 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.