Science
Mechanism of Action
Hexamethylindanopyran functions as a synthetic musk fragrance, delivering a soft, sweet musky scent to cosmetic products. Its mechanism of action on the skin is purely olfactory, serving to perfume the product and mask undesirable odors, without interacting physiologically with skin cells to provide specific skincare effects.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Insufficient-data confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
This ingredient is a fragrance compound and is not typically 'dusted' or exaggerated as an active ingredient with direct skincare benefits, as none have been identified.
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
This ingredient exhibits high stability when exposed to light, heat, and oxidative conditions, ensuring its olfactory profile remains consistent. However, its integrity may be compromised in highly acidic or strong oxidizing environments.
Conflicts
- strong acidic environments
- oxidizing environments
Safety
Safety Profile
Hexamethylindanopyran (Galaxolide) is a restricted cosmetic ingredient under Annex III/336 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. The EU Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified it as both an allergen and an irritant. Furthermore, as of January 2025, a proposal has been submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to classify Hexamethylindanopyran as Reprotoxic 1B (H360Df), indicating suspicion of damaging fertility and the unborn child. The US EPA designated HHCB as a high priority chemical in December 2019, with ongoing risk evaluation. While RIFM's safety assessment found it not genotoxic and identified a high No Expected Sensitization Induction Level (NESIL) of 38000 μg/cm2 for skin sensitization, the SCCS and EU regulatory restrictions highlight significant safety concerns, especially regarding potential allergenicity and irritation. For EU compliance, its presence must be disclosed in the ingredient list if concentrations exceed 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products. Recommended usage for lotions and creams generally ranges from 0.05% to 0.2%.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
Given its classification as an allergen and irritant by the SCCS, coupled with proposed reprotoxic classifications and the lack of direct skincare benefits, this fragrance ingredient should be avoided, particularly for sensitive skin types.
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