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Dioxane

Canada Hotlist: Dioxane

Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.

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Regulatory decision and full conditions

Status
Prohibited
Legal role
Official guidance
Regulatory summary
Health Canada lists this ingredient as prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
Conditions and restrictions
Synonyms or related compounds: 1,4-dioxane

Substance identity

Official source name
Dioxane
CAS
123-91-1
EC
Not supplied in this source row
Identity mapping
standalone:cas_number
Search this identity across the siteCAS 123-91-1

Cross-market snapshot for this identity

Exact linked records currently present in this site. An absent market means no imported exact match, not permission to use the substance.

10 market datasets
PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 123-91-1
CAS 123-91-1PubChem CID 31275

Verified chemistry for CAS 123-91-1

1,4-Dioxane

IUPAC name
1,4-dioxane
Molecular formula
C4H8O2
Molecular weight
88.11 g/mol
Exact mass
88.052429494 Da
Monoisotopic mass
88.052429494 Da
XLogP3
-0.3
Topological polar surface area
18.5 Ų
Molecular complexity
26.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Rotatable bonds
0
Heavy atoms
6
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

Dioxanep-DioxaneDiethylene ether1,4-Diethylene dioxide1,4-DioxacyclohexaneDioxanTetrahydro-1,4-dioxinTetrahydro-p-dioxin
16 more reported names
Di(ethylene oxide)Diethylene dioxideDioxanneDioxane-1,41,4-DioxanGlycol ethylene etherDioxan-1,4p-DioxanTetrahydro-para-dioxinDioxyethylene etherDioksanDiokanpara-DioxaneDiossano-1,4Dioxaan-1,4Glycolethylenether
Open full PubChem recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D pharmacophore features
3
3D rings
1
3D hydrophobes
0
3D acceptor features
2
3D donor features
0
3D anionic centres
0
3D cationic centres
0
3D conformers
1
Effective 3D rotors
1.2
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
C1COCCO1
InChI
InChI=1S/C4H8O2/c1-2-6-4-3-5-1/h1-4H2
InChIKey
RYHBNJHYFVUHQT-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match31275

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. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknow Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • ERG2024, Guide 127 (Dioxane): 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: Water wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.; 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]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264+P265, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P318, P319, P337+P317, P370+P378, 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
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H225 (100%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H319 (100%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335 (> 99.9%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H350 (22.3%): May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H351 (76.1%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264+P265, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P318, P319, P337+P317, P370+P378, 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 1577 reports by companies from 50 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; 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: H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P319, P337+P317, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Health Effects: 1,4-Dioxane for short period of time cause eye and nose irritation at low levels, and severe kidney and liver effects and possibly death at very high levels. For long-term exposure, studies in animals have shown that breathing vapors of 1,4-dioxane, swallowing liquid 1,4-dioxane or contaminated drinking water, or having skin contact with liquid 1,4-dioxane affects mainly the liver and kidneys. Studies in workers did not indicate whether 1,4-dioxane causes cancer, but animal studies suggest that it is a probable human carcinogen. (L1189) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • NFPA Health Rating: 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury. 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: 1 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable but that can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: 1,4-Dioxane is a colorless liquid or solid. It is used as a stabilizer for chlorinated solvents, particularly, 1,1,1-trichloroethane. 1,4-Dioxane is used as a solvent for cellulose acetate, ethyl cellulose, benzyl cellulose, resins, oils, waxes, and fats; in spectroscopic and photometric measurements; and in the pulping of wood. Other uses of 1,4-dioxane include the manufacture of adhesives, cements, deodorant fumigants, cosmetics, drugs, cleaning preparations, magnetic tape, plastic, rubber, insecticides, and herbicides, and as a chemical intermediate, as a polymerization catalyst, in the purification of drugs, and in the extraction of animal and vegetable oils. In the laboratory, it is used in the preparation of histological sections for microscopic examination and as a liquid scintillation counting medium. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Short-term inhalation exposure to 1,4-dioxane may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms of acute exposure include coughing, drowsiness, vertigo, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, coma, and death. There is a report of a fatal case of acute poisoning by inhalation that led to hepatic and rena Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Though the mechanism of toxicity of 1,4-dioxane has not yet been elucidated, it is known that its carcinogenic effects are caused by a non-genotoxic mechanism that is most likely cytotoxic in nature. (L1189, L1881) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: Using OECD Guideline 305C (Bioaccumulation: Test for the Degree of Bioconcentration in Fish) with 1 and 10 ppm concentrations 1,4-dioxane, BCF values of 0.2-0.7 were measured using carp (Cyprinus carpio) which were exposed over a 6-week period(1). According to a classification scheme(2), these BCF values suggest 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 of 29(2) and 17(3) indicate that 1,4-dioxane is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 1,4-dioxane from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 4.8X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(4). 1,4-Dioxane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 38.1 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). A 0% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(6) suggests that 1,4-dioxane is not readily biodegradable(SRC). Other screening study results indicate that 1,4-dioxane is resistant to biodegradation and slow to biodegrade(7). Using soil microcosms 1,4-dioxane was not biodegraded within 120 days and, therefore, considered recalcitrant(8). 1,4-Dioxane did not biodegrade in most of 20 environmental samples (rivers waters, soils, activated sludge), but it was degradable in soils collected from drainage areas of a chemical factory within 33 days, presumably due to acclimation(9). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values of 29(2) and 17(3) indicate that 1,4-dioxane is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 4.8X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(4), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 7.3 and 56 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), a BCF range of 0.2-0.7 measured in carp (Cyprinus carpio)(7) suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). A 0% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(7) suggests that 1,4-dioxane is not readily biodegradable(SRC). Other screening studies have found 1,4-dioxane to be resistant to biodegradation and slow to biodegrade(8) and to be recalcitrant(9). 1,4-Dioxane is considered non-biodegradable under conventional bio-treatment technologies based on results of wastewater treatment monitoring data(10). 1,4-Dioxane is a very weak absorber of UV light(11)and results of aqueous photolysis studies(12) suggest that direct photolyis is not an impor 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), 1,4-dioxane, which has a vapor pressure of 38.1 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1,4-dioxane 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 33 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.18X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). 1,4-Dioxane is a very weak absorber of UV light(4). Results of aqueous photolysis studies(5) suggest that direct photolysis is not an important environmental fate process(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: 1,4-Dioxane is used as a solvent for cellulose acetate, ethyl cellulose, benzyl cellulose, resins, oils, waxes, some dyes, and other organic and inorganic compounds. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Sources/Uses: Used as a solvent for cellulose esters, ethers, and other organic chemicals; [ACGIH] Used as a solvent in resins, polymers, oils, waxes, dyes, wood pulping, adhesives, varnishes lacquers, paints, and cosmetics; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Metal Degreasing [Category: Clean]; Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]; Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Stabilizer in chlorinated solvents. Organic solvent for cellulose acetate, ethyl cellulose, benzyl cellulose, resins, oils, waxes, oil and spirit-soluble dyes, and many other organic as well as some inorganic compounds. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: The largest single use of 1,4-dioxane is the stabilization of 1,1,1-trichloroethane against chemical attack by aluminum. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Historically, 1,4-dioxane has been used as a stabilizer for the solvent 1,1,1-trichloroethane. However, this use is no longer expected to be important due to the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol, which mandate the eventual phase-out of 1,1,1-trichloroethane production in the U.S. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Dioxane is used as a solvent in the formulation of inks, coatings, and adhesives, and as solvent for extracting animal and vegetable oils. As a chemical intermediate, dioxane reaction products are useful as insecticides, herbicides, plasticizers, and monomers. The oxonium complexes of dioxane with salts, mineral acids, halogens, and sulfur trioxide are used as catalysts and as reagents for anhydrous acid reactions, brominations, and sulfonations. In the laboratory, dioxane is useful as a cryoscopic solvent for molecular mass determinations and as a stable reaction medium for diverse reactions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for 1,4-DIOXANE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: 1,4-Dioxane is primarily used in solvent applications for the manufacturing sector; however, it is also found in fumigants and automotive coolant. 1,4-Dioxane is a byproduct of the ethoxylation process in cosmetics manufacturing, thus many products on the market today contain 1,4-dioxane in very small amounts. However, some cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos may contain 1,4-dioxane at levels higher than recommended by the FDA for other products. 1,4-Dioxane can also be found in tap water, so human exposure to 1,4-dioxane may also occur during activities such as showering, bathing, and laundering. (L1189, L1880) 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.

Official source and provenance

Registered source
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Source reference
Hotlist prohibited entry 212
Source record ID
prohibited:212
Source version
Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13
Source language
English
Translation status
Original is English
Source updated
2025-08-13
Snapshot checked
2026-08-30 04:07 UTC
Validation method
strict HTML tables t1=490 and t2=90
SHA-256
8b52ff573d08373ee90121f6a701b3607e4a3d6fc748a7d56171eb53510af91a

Registered dataset notes

Dataset coverage
Administrative prohibitions, restrictions, conditions and warning requirements
Authority note
Official Health Canada compliance indicator; not a complete safety clearance
Inspect the exact official sourceRegulator guidance

How this record fits the market dataset

580
current Canada records
490
records marked Prohibited
580
records from this source version
516
market records with CAS identity

Status distribution

Prohibited: 490Restricted: 90

Condition text is present on 172 of 580 current records. An empty condition field is interpreted according to the record type above; it is never converted into an unrestricted-use claim.

Canada market context

Complete Hotlist snapshot

Coverage version: Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, 13 August 2025

All prohibited and restricted Hotlist entries, including conditions and warning requirements published in the official list.

Verification checklist

  1. Search English/French names and CAS identifiers.
  2. Apply every restriction, concentration and label warning.
  3. Check Food and Drugs Act/Cosmetic Regulations requirements.
  4. Recheck the current Hotlist before notification or sale.

Official market sources

Verification workflow and record completeness

Before using this result in a compliance decision

  1. Confirm that “Dioxane” and every CAS/EC identifier refer to the material in your supplier specification.
  2. Search English/French names and CAS identifiers.
  3. Apply every restriction, concentration and label warning.
  4. Check Food and Drugs Act/Cosmetic Regulations requirements.
  5. Recheck the current Hotlist before notification or sale.
  6. Document the source version and recheck the regulator before manufacture, notification or market placement.

Fields available in this record

  • Official substance nameAvailable
  • CASAvailable
  • ECNot supplied
  • Separate condition textAvailable
  • Effective dateNot supplied
  • Snapshot hash and methodAvailable

Questions this page answers

This official record identifies the substance as prohibited for cosmetic use in the stated market scope. Do not rely on a formulation containing this identity until the cited source, effective date and exact substance match have been verified.

A prohibition entry may contain no separate condition text because the regulatory outcome is the prohibition itself. The Hotlist is an administrative compliance tool, not an exhaustive safety approval list.

The record cites Hotlist prohibited entry 212, source version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13. Open the official source.

No. CAS helps resolve identity, but jurisdictions can classify the same substance differently and can apply different product scopes, limits, warnings and transition dates.

Stable citation

Dioxane. Hotlist prohibited entry 212. Canada. Source version Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/ca/records/212/

Cite the regulator as the legal authority. This page is a structured evidence index and verification aid, not a substitute for the official text or professional legal assessment.

Interpretation and limits for Canada

This official record identifies the substance as prohibited for cosmetic use in the stated market scope.

Do not rely on a formulation containing this identity until the cited source, effective date and exact substance match have been verified.

How to interpret the legal role

The authority uses this source as compliance guidance; the underlying legislation remains controlling.

Evidence on this page

  • Recorded outcome: Prohibited
  • Legal role: Official guidance
  • Source version: Health Canada Hotlist 2025-08-13

What it does not prove

The Hotlist is an administrative compliance tool, not an exhaustive safety approval list.

Further authoritative substance research

These sources can add identity, safety, exposure or hazard context. A link is not evidence that the database contains this exact substance, and none of these sources overrides the market decision above.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessments

Expert Panel conclusions, assessed ingredient groups, use conditions, dates and report documents

Independent expert review considered by FDA; not a government approval or binding market rule

Research this identity at the source

FDA Global Substance Registration System

UNII identifiers, preferred names, substance types, codes and public substance relationships

Identity registry only; UNII availability does not imply FDA review or approval

Research this identity at the source

ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards

Hazards, symptoms, first aid, storage, incompatibilities and physical properties for covered chemicals

International occupational chemical-safety reference; not cosmetic-use approval

Research this identity at the source

Japan NITE-CHRIP

Chemical identity, Japanese and foreign legal lists, GHS hazards and exposure-related information

Chemical-management evidence; cosmetic status remains governed by the applicable MHLW standard and market rules

Research this identity at the source

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

REL, PEL, IDLH, properties, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, first aid and measurement methods for covered workplace chemicals

US occupational-health guidance and limits; not a cosmetic ingredient decision

Research this identity at the source

OECD eChemPortal

Gateway to authority-owned physical-property, fate, ecotoxicity, toxicity, exposure and GHS records

Discovery gateway; each linked authority remains responsible for its data

Research this identity at the source

US EPA CompTox CTX APIs

API key required for import

DTXSID identity, experimental and predicted properties, toxicity, bioactivity, exposure and environmental data

Scientific and computational evidence; predictions must remain labelled and do not determine cosmetic legality

Research this identity at the source