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Moumoujus

ETHYL FORMATE.

Avoid CAS 109-94-4 / PERFUMING

Ethyl formate is an organic ester commonly employed as a flavoring and fragrance agent. Despite its GRAS status in food, it is a known skin irritant that hydrolyzes into formic acid on moist surfaces, leading to defatting and potential dryness.

Summary

Science

Mechanism of Action

On contact with moist skin, ethyl formate undergoes hydrolysis, breaking down into formic acid and ethyl alcohol. The resulting formic acid is the primary agent responsible for its irritant effect, while ethyl formate itself can also strip natural lipids from the skin, causing defatting and increasing susceptibility to dryness and cracking.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Ethyl formate gradually decomposes in water, yielding ethyl alcohol and formic acid, indicating inherent instability in aqueous environments.

Conflicts

  • Nitrates
  • Strong oxidizers
  • Alkalis
  • Acids

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Low

While recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food flavoring, ethyl formate lacks a direct CIR safety assessment for cosmetic applications. Its hydrolysis product, formic acid, has been deemed safe in cosmetics up to 64 ppm as a pH adjuster when non-irritating, suggesting potential concerns for ethyl formate at higher concentrations or upon breakdown.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Due to its significant skin irritancy, defatting properties, and absence of demonstrated cosmetic benefits, ethyl formate is strongly advised against for use in precision skincare formulations.

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