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Moumoujus

MUSK XYLENE.

Avoid CAS 81-15-2 / FRAGRANCE, PERFUMING

Musk Xylene is a synthetic nitromusk historically used for its warm, tenacious musky fragrance and fixative properties in a wide range of consumer products. Due to significant environmental and health concerns, including its classification as a suspected human carcinogen and endocrine disruptor, its use in cosmetics is now prohibited in major markets like the European Union.

Summary

Fragrance Fragrance Fixative

Science

Mechanism of Action

Primarily functioning as a fragrance ingredient, Musk Xylene imparts a characteristic musky scent and prolongs the presence of other volatile fragrance components. Upon dermal absorption, it exhibits a weak sensitizing effect on the skin. Systemically, this lipophilic compound can disrupt the human endocrine system, promote the proliferation of isolated human breast cancer cells, and bioaccumulate within the body due to its persistent nature.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.1–5%
Optimal

0%

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0%
Red flag below
0%

Musk Xylene is highly 'dusted' or actively avoided in cosmetic formulations. The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) strongly advises against its use in any finished product due to its very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) properties. Furthermore, it is classified as a Category 2 suspected human carcinogen in the EU and is now completely banned for cosmetic use under the REACH Regulation, as no companies sought authorization for its continued application.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

No specific optimal pH range for stability has been identified. Musk Xylene is typically described as a crystalline powder that readily dissolves in fragrance blends.

Conflicts

  • Regulatory restrictions (banned in the EU for cosmetic products)
  • Safety concerns (carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, bioaccumulation, potential for skin sensitization and irritation)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
0%
Pregnancy
Caution
Sensitization risk Low to moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has not directly reviewed Musk Xylene. However, the RIFM recommends against its use due to vPvB properties. The European Union has classified it as a Category 2 suspected human carcinogen under the CLP Regulation and an SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) under REACH. Consequently, it is now banned for use in cosmetics in the EU. Studies also indicate potential endocrine disruption and a link to increased proliferation of isolated human breast cancer cells, along with a tendency for dermal absorption and bioaccumulation.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low to medium
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Musk Xylene should be unequivocally avoided in skincare formulations due to its classification as a suspected human carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, and its ban in the EU for cosmetic use.

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