Safety Assessment of Caprylhydroxamic Acid as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of Caprylhydroxamic Acid as used in cosmetic formulations; this ingredient is reported to function as a chelating agent. Positive sensitization results that occurred with the use of a moisturizer containing Caprylhydroxamic Acid appeared to correlate with use on damaged skin. Therefore, the Panel cautioned against the use of Caprylhydroxamic Acid in a manner that would result in increased penetration. A quantitative risk assessment (QRA) was performed, using a weight-of-evidence no-expected-sensitization-induction-level (WoE NESIL) of 1056 μg/cm². The Panel concluded that Caprylhydroxamic Acid is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.