4-ETHYL-GAMMA-OCTALACTONE

4-ETHYL-GAMMA-OCTALACTONE.

Optional CAS 68188-98-7 / PERFUMING

A fragrance ingredient belonging to the gamma-lactone family that delivers a distinctive sweet, creamy, coconut-like aroma to cosmetic formulations. This volatile cyclic ester serves primarily as a perfuming agent and masking component, with excellent tolerability across all skin types. While lacking direct skin-active properties, it enhances the sensory experience of skincare products without contributing to irritation or comedogenicity.

perfuming masking

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functions purely as a fragrance molecule through its volatile cyclic ester structure, providing olfactory enhancement without documented bioactive skin effects such as collagen synthesis or antioxidant activity.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence

Effective range 0.02–1.6%

Optimal

N/A

Key findings

01 Human patch testing at 12% concentration demonstrated no irritation or sensitization reactions

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

As a fragrance ingredient with straightforward safety profile, dusting is uncommon and unnecessary

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility

Oil

Optimal pH 4.5 – 7

0 7 14

Stability

Demonstrates excellent stability in standard cosmetic bases but susceptible to ring-opening hydrolysis in highly alkaline conditions above pH 8.0

Conflicts

strong oxidizing agents
strong bases

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status

Not reviewed

Max tested

1.6%

Sensitization risk Low

Parent compound gamma-octalactone holds FDA GRAS status as flavoring agent; patch testing confirms non-sensitizing profile up to 12% concentration

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal

Yes Dry

Yes Oily

Yes Sensitive

Irritancy Low

Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Optional

A well-tolerated fragrance ingredient suitable for all skin types but offers no active skincare benefits beyond sensory enhancement.

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References

Sources