Methyl 2-Octynoate — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: METHYL 2-OCTYNOATE
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 111-12-6
- Category
- fragrance
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- Yes
- Found In
- perfume
Is Methyl 2-Octynoate safe in cosmetics?
Methyl 2-Octynoate is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Commonly found in perfume.
What is Methyl 2-Octynoate?
Methyl 2-Octynoate is a fragrance commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It has a moderate risk of causing skin irritation in some people.
Allergy & Safety Information
Methyl 2-Octynoate is generally safe but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
About Fragrance Component Ingredients
Fragrance ingredients are added to cosmetics for scent or to mask the odour of raw materials. The EU requires 26 specific fragrance allergens to be listed individually on labels when present above threshold concentrations. Fragrance (listed as "parfum") is the single most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis worldwide.
Relevance for Methyl 2-Octynoate: Even products labelled "unscented" may contain masking fragrances. True fragrance-free products list no perfuming ingredients at all. If you are fragrance-sensitive, check for "parfum," "fragrance," and all 26 EU-listed fragrance allergens on any product label.
How to Identify Methyl 2-Octynoate in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Methyl 2-Octynoate, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Perfume. These product categories are the most common sources of Methyl 2-Octynoate exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Methyl 2-Octynoate? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Methyl 2-Octynoate and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Methyl 2-Octynoate safe?
Generally safe, patch test recommended.
What does Methyl 2-Octynoate do?
Functions as a fragrance in formulations.
Related Guides
Top 10 Cosmetic Allergens
Is Methyl 2-Octynoate on the list? See the full clinical ranking.
Fragrance-Free Skincare Guide
Why fragrance is the #1 cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis.
How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Methyl 2-Octynoate causing YOUR skin reactions?
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