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InventoryRef 8464915/10/2010

HEXANE

HEXANE is linked to 1 EU annex record on this page. Inventory note: II/999.

Regulatory evidence by market

This matrix separates verified ingredient rules from sources that are mapped but not yet imported. No imported rule does not mean the ingredient is permitted.

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MarketEvidence statusRecordsSource language
European UnionEvidence linked
Prohibited entry found
Open this evidence
1English and EU languages
Great BritainEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence
1English
CanadaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and French
New ZealandEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence
1English
ASEANEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence
1English and national languages
ChinaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence
1Chinese with selected English material
JapanSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Japanese; official English translation available
South KoreaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence
1Korean with some English names
United StatesSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
AustraliaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
BrazilEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence
1Portuguese with INCI crosswalks
IndiaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence
1English and Hindi
Saudi ArabiaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence
1Arabic and English

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 110-54-3
CAS 110-54-3PubChem CID 8058

Hexane

Hexane is an unbranched alkane containing six carbon atoms. It has a role as a non-polar solvent and a neurotoxin. It is a volatile organic compound and an alkane. ChEBI

IUPAC name
hexane
Molecular formula
C6H14
Molecular weight
86.18 g/mol
Exact mass
86.109550447 Da
XLogP3
3.9
Topological polar surface area
0.0 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
0
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

n-HexaneSkellysolve BEsaniGettysolve-BHexyl hydrideDipropylHexanenHeksan
16 more reported names
normal-hexaneNCI-C605712DDG612ED8CHEBI:29021NSC-68472RefChem:66581S70G88A39203-777-6HexaneshexanNormal hexaneNSC 68472n-C6H14SCHEMBL17n-HexanButane, ethyl-
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8058

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

  • 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
  • ERG2024, Guide 128 (Hexanes): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • 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: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and 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: H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H361f ***: Suspected of damaging fertility [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; 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: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P318, P319, P321, P331, P332+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P391, P403+P233, P403+P235, 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% (2 of 4001) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H225 (98.2%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H304 (98.2%): May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]; H315 (98.1%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (11.5%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H336 (97.4%): May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H361 (93.7%): Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H373 (95.4%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H411 (99.9%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P318, P319, P321, P331, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P391, P403+P233, P403+P235, 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 4001 reports by companies from 80 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 2 of 4001 reports by companies.; There are 79 notifications provided by 3999 of 4001 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)
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.4% (1 of 224) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H225 (53.1%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H304 (36.6%): May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]; H315 (79.5%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317 (46.9%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (17.4%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H336 (36.6%): May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H361 (36.6%): Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H373 (27.7%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H411 (32.6%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]; H412 (46.4%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P272, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P318, P319, P321, P331, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P391, P403+P233, P403+P235, 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 224 reports by companies from 14 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 224 reports by companies.; There are 13 notifications provided by 223 of 224 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)
  • Health Effects: Hexane mainly affects the nervous system. It causes degeneration of the peripheral nervous system (and eventually the central nervous system), starting with damage to the nerve axons. Exposure to hexane may also damage the lungs and reproductive system. (L977, L978) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • NFPA Health Rating: 0 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 3 - Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Materials produce hazardous atmospheres with air under almost all ambient temperatures or, though unaffected by ambient temperatures, are readily ignited under almost all conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION: n-Hexane is a straight chain saturated hydrocarbon obtained from certain petroleum fractions after various thermal or catalytic cracking steps. Commercial hexane may contain from 20%-85& n-Hexane and various amounts of hexane isomer, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, 2-3-dimethylbutene, cyclopentane, cyclohexane and small quantities of pentane and heptane isomers, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, dichloromethane and trichloroethylene. Trace amounts of benzene may be present. N-Hexane is a colorless liquid and solubility in water is low. It is miscible with alcohol, chloroform and ether. Main uses are: rubber and adhesive solvent in shoe factories; extraction of soybean oil, callous seed oil and flaxseed oil. It is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and is a cleaning agent for textiles, furniture and leather products. N-Hexane is also used for: determination of the refractive index of minerals, filling for thermometers and denaturant. HUMAN EXPOSURE: The target organs are: central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, respiratory system, heart, skin and eyes. Chemical pneumonia can occur after ingestion and and aspiration to the lungs. CNS depres Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Hexane's toxicity is caused by it neurotoxic metabolite, 2,5-hexanedione. It damages the central and peripheral nervous system by causing axonal swelling and degeneration. 2,5-Hexanedione also reacts with lysine side-chain amino groups in axonal cytoskeletal proteins to form pyrroles. This results in neurofilament cross-linking and loss of function. (L175) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 170 was calculated in fish for n-hexane(SRC), using a log Kow of 3.90(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC), provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 130(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that n-hexane is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of n-hexane from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.80 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 153 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 9.5 mg/L(4). n-Hexane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 100% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks(5) suggesting that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 130(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that n-hexane is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.80 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 153 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 9.6 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 2.7 hours and 3.7 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 170(SRC), from its log Kow of 3.90(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high, provided the compound is not metabolized by the organism(SRC). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 100% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks(9) suggesting that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). 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), n-hexane, which has a vapor pressure of 153 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase n-hexane 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 24 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.61X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). n-Hexane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Consumer Uses: Intermediate; Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents); Laboratory chemicals; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Monomers; Fuel; Fuel agents; Solvent; Flavoring and nutrient; Lubricating agent Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Intermediate; Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents); Laboratory chemicals; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Soil amendments (fertilizers); Monomers; Fuel agents; Fuel; Solvent; Flavoring and nutrient; Other; Lubricating agent Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Uses: The main use of hexane is as a solvent to extract edible oils from seed and vegetable crops (e.g., soybeans, peanuts, corn). Hexane is also used as a cleaning agent (degreaser) in the printing industry. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Sources/Uses: Used as a solvent, especially in the adhesive and shoe industries; abused by glue sniffers for its euphoric effects; [LaDou, p. 430] Used in shoe and furniture manufacture to dissolve glue; also used in adhesive tape manufacturing; [Sullivan, p. 1211] Fuels made from petroleum contain n-hexane. Modern blends of US gasoline contain about 3% n-hexane. [ATSDR ToxProfiles] Used as a solvent for vegetable oils, polymers, and paints; [Hawley] Used as a degreaser by vehicle repair technicians in a commercially available aerosol containing toluene, acetone, and hexane (50% n-hexane); [Reference #2] Used for determining refractive index of minerals, filling for thermometers (instead of mercury), for calibrations, as reaction medium for polymerizations and pharmaceutical manufacture, alcohol denaturant, as cleaning agent in textile, furniture, and leather industries, and as laboratory reagent; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]; Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Activities with risk of exposure: Leather crafting [Category: Hobbies]; Painting [Category: Hobbies]; Sculpturing plastics [Category: Hobbies] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Determining refractive index of minerals; filling for thermometers instead of mercury, usually with a blue or red dye; extraction solvent for oilseed processing. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Solvent, especially for vegetable oils; low temperature thermometers; calibrations; polymerization reaction medium; paint diluent; alcohol denaturant. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: It is used for the extraction of vegetable oils (e.g., from soybeans), as a solvent in chemical reactions (e.g., for coordination complex catalyzed polymerization of olefins) and in adhesive formulations. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Reaction medium in manufacture of pharmaceuticals; component of numerous formulated products. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for N-HEXANE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Pure n-hexane is used in laboratories. Most of the n-hexane used in industry is mixed with similar chemicals called solvents. The major use for solvents containing n-hexane is to extract vegetable oils from crops such as soybeans. These solvents are also used as cleaning agents in the printing, textile, furniture, and shoemaking industries. Certain kinds of special glues used in the roofing and shoe and leather industries also contain n-hexane. Several consumer products contain n-hexane, such as gasoline, quick-drying glues used in various hobbies, and rubber cement. (L175) 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 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Inventory details for HEXANE

INCI name

HEXANE

Record provenance

Inventory reference
84649
Imported identity
HEXANE
Source update
15/10/2010
European Commission CosIng source notes
Annex II Restriction reference
Entry 999

Hexane

CAS: 110-54-3
EC: 203-777-6

Key data

Restriction
II/999
Function
SOLVENT
Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.

Official EU ingredient-name evidence

The ingredient name exactly matches the official 2025 EU glossary of common ingredient names.

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

How HEXANE appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists HEXANE as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 1 annex record. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex record shows where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.

HEXANE is also tagged with 2 cosmetic functions in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.

Frequently asked questions

HEXANE appears in the EU CosIng inventory and has linked annex records. Check the annex records above for applicable restrictions, concentration limits and conditions of use. Annex II listing means prohibited; Annex III means restricted; Annexes IV, V and VI mean permitted under specified conditions.

The restriction field for HEXANE reads: "II/999". This is the restriction note recorded in the CosIng inventory for this ingredient. For authoritative conditions and limits, always refer to the linked annex entries above.

According to the EU CosIng inventory, HEXANE carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 110-54-3 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.

Use the INCI Checker to screen a full ingredient list across selected markets, or compare this substance across all supported market datasets.

Source note for HEXANE

This page combines the CosIng inventory entry for HEXANE with 1 linked Annex II–VI record from the local dataset built from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials.

Use this inventory page to research HEXANE and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.

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