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Annex V Entry 48 25/10/2010

GLUTARAL

Glutaraldehyde (Pentane-1,5-dial)

GLUTARAL appears in Annex V as a positive-list preservative entry for EU cosmetics. Maximum concentration in this record: 0.1%.

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Permitted preservative— Annex V, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Max conc.: 0.1%
Entry: 48

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 111-30-8
CAS 111-30-8PubChem CID 3485

Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde is a dialdehyde comprised of pentane with aldehyde functions at C-1 and C-5. It has a role as a disinfectant, a cross-linking reagent and a fixative. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
pentanedial
Molecular formula
C5H8O2
Molecular weight
100.12 g/mol
Exact mass
100.052429494 Da
XLogP3
-0.5
Topological polar surface area
34.1 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

GlutaralGlutaric dialdehyde1,5-PentanedialSonacideGlutardialdehydeAlhydexGlutaric acid dialdehydeGlutaric aldehyde
16 more reported names
GlutaraldehydGlutaralumAldesanUcarcideHospex1,5-Pentanedione1,3-DiformylpropaneAldesenSterihyde LSterihydeAldehyd glutarowyCidex 7GlutacleanVerucasepNCI-C55425Relugan GT
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match3485

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • Substance: Glutaraldehyde Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • NTP Technical Report: TR-490: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Glutaraldehyde (CASRN 111-30-8) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies) (1999 ) Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Peer Review Date: 10/30/98 Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Male Rat: No Evidence Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Female Rat: No Evidence Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Male Mice: No Evidence Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Female Mice: No Evidence Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Summary: Under the conditions of these 2-year inhalation studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of glutaraldehyde in male or female F344/N rats exposed to 250, 500, or 750 ppb. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity in male or female B6C3F1 mice exposed to 62.5, 125, or 250 ppb.; Incidences of nonneoplastic lesions of the nose were significantly increased in male and female rats and mice. Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Carcinogen Classification: No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC). Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Water flush immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P233, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P319, P320, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P363, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 2123) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H301 (> 99.9%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H314 (> 99.9%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317 (> 99.9%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H318 (18.7%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H330 (20.1%): Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H331 (82.6%): Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H334 (> 99.9%): May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]; H335 (19%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H400 (99.9%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H411 (16.1%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P233, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, P363, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 2123 reports by companies from 44 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 2123 reports by companies.; There are 43 notifications provided by 2122 of 2123 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H227: Combustible liquid [Warning Flammable liquids]; H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]; H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P210, P233, P260, P261, P262, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P284, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P317, P319, P320, P321, P330, P333+P317, P342+P316, P361+P364, P362+P364, P363, P370+P378, P391, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H227: Combustible liquid [Warning Flammable liquids]; H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H312: Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Conclusion: Based upon the animal and clinical data presented in this report, the CIR Expert Panel concludes that Glutaral is safe for use at concentrations up to 0.5% in rinse-off products. There is insufficient data to determine the safety of Glutaral in leave-on products. Glutaral should not be used in aerosolized products. Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Glutaraldehyde is a colorless liquid. It is registered for pesticide use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses. It is used as algaecide, bacteriocide and fungicide. Glutaraldehyde is used as a tissue fixative in histology and electron and light microscopy, generally as a 1.5-6% aqueous solution. Glutaraldehyde is used, generally in conjunction with wetting agents, to control viruses and other micro-organisms in fish farming. Glutaraldehyde is allowed as a preservative in cosmetics in Europe at concentrations up to 0.1%. It is not allowed in aerosols and sprays. Glutaraldehyde is a biocide commonly used in a 2% concentration for cold sterilization of surgical and dental equipment. Biocides, such as glutaraldehyde, are added to eliminate bacterial growth in fracturing fluids. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Exposure to concentrations < 1 ppm by inhalation or skin contact may cause irritation of the skin and/or mucous membranes. The critical effects of glutaraldehyde exposure are eye, skin, and respiratory irritation, skin sensitization and occupatio Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for glutaraldehyde(SRC), using a log Kow of -0.33(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values ranging from 5.1 to 500(2,3) indicate that glutaraldehyde is expected to have very high to moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of glutaraldehyde from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 3.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(2). Glutaraldehyde is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.6 mm Hg at 30 °C(4), and it has been reported that small amounts of glutaraldehyde will volatilize to the atmosphere(4). Results of biodegradation screening tests indicate that glutaraldehyde is readily biodegradable(2,3,5). A soil degradation study using a loamy sand soil and and initial glutaraldehyde concentration of 10 ppm observed a pseudo-first order dissipation half-life of 1.7 days due primarily to soil microorganisms(3). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values ranging from 5.1 to 500(2,3) indicate that glutaraldehyde is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.3X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(2). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of -0.33(2) and a regression-derived equation(6), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Results of biodegradation screening tests indicate that glutaraldehyde is readily biodegradable(2,3,7). In a closed bottle test using seawater as inoculum, glutaraldehyde showed 73% degradation in 28 days(2). At 25 °C, glutaraldehyde has measured hydrolysis half-lives of 508-628, 102-394 and 46-63.8 days at pH 5, pH 7 and pH 9 respectively(2,3). The measured half-life for the photolysis of sterile aqueous solutions of glutaraldehyde exposed to natural sunlight was 196 days(2). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), glutaraldehyde, which has a vapor pressure of 0.6 mm Hg at 30 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase glutaraldehyde is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 15 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.52X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Aqueous solutions of glutaraldehyde have an observed photolysis half-life of 196 days when exposed to sunlight(4) suggesting that direct photolysis may occur in the ambient atmosphere(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Other; Tanning agents not otherwise specified; Corrosion inhibitor; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Embalming agent; Preservative; Intermediate; Processing aids, specific to petroleum production Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Glutaral Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Sources/Uses: Glutaraldehyde is used in hospitals and medical and dental offices in solutions for cold sterilization and automatic processing of x-rays. [Marks, p. 146-7] Used as a tissue fixative in histology and microscopy, chemical intermediate, embalming fluid, biocide (cosmetics, water treatment, oilfield, and fish farming applications), disinfectant, cross-linking agent, leather tanning agent, gelatine hardening agent, and keratolytic; [HSDB] Used as an antimicrobial agent in agricultural, food handling, commercial, industrial, residential, public, and medical environments; Also used as materials preservative (cleansers, adhesives, paper, water based coatings, latex paints, inks, dyes, concrete admixtures, and reverse osmosis membranes) and in industrial processes and water systems treatment (recirculating and waste-water water systems, drilling muds, oil and gas storage systems, paper mills, and metalworking fluids); [Reference #1] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Metal Machining [Category: Heat or Machine]; Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry]; Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry]; Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean]; Sterilizing Equipment [Category: Clean]; Sewer and Wastewater Treatment [Category: Industry]; Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry]; Photographic Processing [Category: Other]; Farming (Respiratory Hazards) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For glutaraldehyde (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 043901) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Microscopy/histology. Glutaraldehyde is used as a tissue fixative in histology and electron and light microscopy, generally as a 1.5-6% aqueous solution. Aquaculture. Glutaraldehyde is used, generally in conjunction with wetting agents, to control viruses and other micro-organisms in fish farming. Cosmetics. Glutaraldehyde is allowed as a preservative in cosmetics in Europe at concentrations up to 0.1%. It is not allowed in aerosols and sprays. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Embalming fluid Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Intermediate; fixative for tissues; cross-linking protein and polyhydroxy materials, tanning of soft leathers. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for Glutaraldehyde (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Use (kg; approx.) in Germany (2009): >25000; Use (kg; exact) in Germany (2009): 47964; Consumption (g per capita; approx.) in Germany (2009): 0.305; Consumption (g per capita; exact) in Germany (2009): 0.586; Calculated removal (%): 92.1 Source: NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
  • Uses: Glutaral is used as an antimicrobial agent in sugar mills and as a fixing agent in the immobilisation of glucose isomerase enzyme preparations for use in the manufacture of high fructose corn syrup A polymerized isomer of glutaraldehyde known as polycycloglutaracetal is a fertilizer for aquatic plants. Glutaraldehyde is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor used to disinfect medical and dental equipment. It is also used for industrial water treatment and as a chemical preservative. It is used as a tissue fixative in electron microscopy. Glutaraldehyde is frequently used in biochemistry applications as an amine-reactive homobifunctional crosslinker. Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Maximum concentration

0.1%

Other restrictions

Not to be used in aerosols (sprays)

Warnings

Contains glutaral (9)

INCI glossary name

GLUTARAL

Chemical name

Glutaraldehyde (Pentane-1,5-dial)

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2009/1223

See every entry this act set

Identified ingredients

Key data

CAS
111-30-8
EC
203-856-5
Annex
V
Entry number
48

Inventory links for GLUTARAL

Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 34020

GLUTARAL

CAS: 111-30-8
EC: 203-856-5

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex V are shown as well.

Annex V 50
Nearby record in the same annex

chlorphenesin

CAS: 104-29-0
EC: 203-192-6
Annex V 52
Nearby record in the same annex

SILVER CHLORIDE

CAS: 7783-90-6
EC: 232-033-3

What Annex V means for GLUTARAL

GLUTARAL is an approved preservative listed in Annex V of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Only substances on this positive list may be used as cosmetic preservatives in the EU.

Each preservative entry specifies maximum permitted concentrations and applicable product scope. Concentrations must not exceed the listed maximum. Some preservatives require warning statements on the product label.

This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Use concentration must not exceed: 0.1%
  • Verify the preservative is effective at the permitted concentration for your matrix.
  • Apply required label warning statement.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. GLUTARAL is listed in Annex V of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 as a permitted preservative. It may be used in cosmetics up to the maximum concentration specified above, within the permitted product scope.

CAS 111-30-8 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to GLUTARAL by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

The maximum concentration of 0.1% applies to the concentration of the substance in the ready-to-use cosmetic product. When the substance is supplied as part of a blend or mixture, the calculation must account for the contribution of all sources in the formulation. The combined concentration must not exceed the stated limit.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex V record GLUTARAL

This page summarizes one Annex V record for GLUTARAL from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex V conditions for GLUTARAL, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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