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Moumoujus

METHYL ANTHRANILATE.

Avoid CAS 134-20-3 / FRAGRANCE

Methyl Anthranilate is an aromatic compound primarily used as a fragrance and masking agent, which has shown *in vitro* potential to inhibit melanin production. However, its use in precision skincare is severely constrained by significant safety concerns, including dose-dependent phototoxicity and the risk of forming carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Summary

Fragrance Masking agent Anti-melanogenic (in vitro/ex vivo)

Science

Mechanism of Action

Methyl anthranilate reduces melanin content by inhibiting dendrite elongation and melanosome transfer in melanocytes. It also downregulates key melanogenic enzymes like tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2, a process mediated by suppressing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production, a critical regulator in the upstream pathway of melanogenesis.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 In vitro and ex vivo studies at 10-50 µg/mL demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of melanin content, dendrite elongation, and melanosome transfer. It also downregulated melanogenic genes (tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2) and decreased cAMP production, suggesting anti-melanogenic potential without significant cytotoxicity (cell viability > 80%).

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Red flag below
0.1%

While Methyl Anthranilate exhibits *in vitro* anti-melanogenic properties, its severe safety profile at higher concentrations (e.g., phototoxicity observed at 1-5%) significantly limits its practical use. Any concentration exceeding the SCCS-recommended 0.1% for leave-on products, or its inclusion in products intended for UV exposure, constitutes a critical safety concern and red flag for precision skincare.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Methyl anthranilate is sensitive to air and light. While stable under recommended storage conditions, it is combustible. Its photostability in formulations can be enhanced by quenching its triplet states with UV-B filters such as octocrylene (OCR) and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC).

Synergies

  • UV-B filters (e.g., octocrylene, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) for photostability

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Isocyanates
  • Halogenated organics
  • Peroxides
  • Phenols (acidic)
  • Epoxides
  • Anhydrides
  • Acid halides
  • Alkali metals (generates flammable hydrogen)
  • Hydrides (generates flammable hydrogen)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
0.1%
Sensitization risk Moderate

Methyl anthranilate is explicitly not recommended for use in sunscreen products or other products marketed for exposure to natural or artificial UV light due to its significant phototoxic potential, as evidenced by studies showing reactions at 1% and 5%. It is a secondary amine, which means it may be prone to nitrosation, potentially forming carcinogenic nitrosamines. Animal studies have indicated moderate skin irritation and corneal effects. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) identifies phototoxicity as the primary toxicological endpoint of concern, recommending a maximum of 0.1% for leave-on products (referring to Methyl-N-methylanthranilate, a closely related compound with similar concerns).

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite promising *in vitro* anti-melanogenic properties, Methyl Anthranilate carries severe safety concerns, including significant phototoxicity at concentrations required for its effects, potential carcinogenic nitrosamine formation, and moderate irritation, making it an unsuitable ingredient for precision skincare.

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