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4-ETHYLOCTANOIC ACID.

Questionable CAS 16493-80-4 / PERFUMING

A branched-chain fatty acid primarily recognized as a fragrance component with a distinctive odor profile. This compound is naturally produced by skin bacteria during sweat metabolism and serves primarily olfactory rather than therapeutic functions in cosmetic formulations.

fragrance

Science

Functions as an aroma chemical without demonstrated therapeutic skin benefits, naturally occurring as a bacterial metabolite in human axillary secretions and serving as a mammalian pheromone compound


Research

Low confidence
Effective range ≤0.5%
Optimal

N/A


Transparency

Not commonly dusted

Limited use in skincare due to primary function as fragrance component rather than active ingredient


The Formula

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Stable under standard storage conditions but requires protection from strong oxidizing agents due to its volatile organic compound nature with extremely low odor threshold of 1.8 ppb

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents

Safety

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
0.5%
Sensitization risk Moderate

FDA GRAS status for food use (FEMA 3800) but classified as skin and eye irritant in concentrated form with IFRA restriction to 0.5% in fragrance concentrates


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Questionable

Limited skincare value as primarily a fragrance component with moderate irritation potential and no demonstrated therapeutic benefits.


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