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ProhibitedBinding ruleGBOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Anthracene oil

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex II.

All Great Britain recordsCompare all marketsOpen official source

Regulatory decision and full conditions

Status
Prohibited
Legal role
Binding rule
Regulatory summary
The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex II.
Conditions and restrictions
A prohibition entry may contain no separate condition text because the regulatory outcome is the prohibition itself. Open the cited source and apply the market-wide requirements below.

Substance identity

Official source name
Anthracene oil
CAS
120-12-7
EC
204-371-1
Identity mapping
standalone:official_gb_annex
Search this identity across the siteCAS 120-12-7EC 204-371-1

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.

9 market datasets
PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 120-12-7
CAS 120-12-7PubChem CID 8418

Verified chemistry for CAS 120-12-7

Anthracene

Acene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of fused benzene rings in a rectilinear arrangement. It is an ortho-fused polycyclic arene and a member of acenes. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
anthracene
Molecular formula
C14H10
Molecular weight
178.23 g/mol
Exact mass
178.078250319 Da
Monoisotopic mass
178.078250319 Da
XLogP3
4.4
Topological polar surface area
0.0 Ų
Molecular complexity
154.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
0
Rotatable bonds
0
Heavy atoms
14
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

ParanaphthaleneAnthracinTetra Olive N2GAnthracenNSC 7958p-NaphthaleneCHEBI:35298AI3-00155
16 more reported names
EH46A1TLD7Sterilite hop defoliantNSC7958NSC-7958RefChem:6382204-371-1Anthracen [German]CCRIS 767AnthraxceneAnthrazenHSDB 702AcenEINECS 204-371-1WLN: L C666JAnthracene, pureAnthracene, analytical standard
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
3
3D hydrophobes
0
3D acceptor features
0
3D donor features
0
3D anionic centres
0
3D cationic centres
0
3D conformers
1
Effective 3D rotors
0.0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
C1=CC=C2C=C3C=CC=CC3=CC2=C1
InChI
InChI=1S/C14H10/c1-2-6-12-10-14-8-4-3-7-13(14)9-11(12)5-1/h1-10H
InChIKey
MWPLVEDNUUSJAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8418

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
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.5% (3 of 573) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315 (21.1%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (97.7%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H350 (18.5%): May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H400 (21.1%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H410 (22.2%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P264, P264+P265, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P318, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P391, 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 573 reports by companies from 18 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 3 of 573 reports by companies.; There are 17 notifications provided by 570 of 573 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: H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P261, P271, P272, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P318, P319, P321, P333+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, 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
  • Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; 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]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Health Effects: PAHs are carcinogens and have been associated with the increased risk of skin, respiratory tract, bladder, stomach, and kidney cancers. They may also cause reproductive effects and depress the immune system. (L10) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Anthracene (ANT) is a solid. It is used as an intermediate for dyes, alizarin, phenanthrene, carbazole, anthraquinone, calico printing, a component of smoke screens, scintillation counting crystals, and in organic semiconductor research. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Melanosis coli is associated with an increased risk of colorectal tumors but is not agreed to be a precancerous lesion. The condition has been associated with the ingestion of ANT laxatives and is believed to be caused by increased epithelial apoptosis. In a longitudinal analysis from 1946 to 2002, a total of 618 employees with exposure to soot, raw paraffin, tar, anthracene, pitch or similar substances were examined. Squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, keratoacanthomas and melanomas were diagnosed. ANT failed in a large number of studies to induce unscheduled DNA synthesis in human HeLa cells with metabolic activation, while it gave a marginally positive, nondose-related response in primary human skin epithelial cells. It yielded negative results in tests for forward mutation in human lymphoblastoid cells (36 ug/mL). UV radiation (295 nm) induced covalent binding of ANT to DNA which Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: The ability of PAH's to bind to blood proteins such as albumin allows them to be transported throughout the body. Many PAH's induce the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, especially CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1, by binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor or glycine N-methyltransferase protein. These enzymes metabolize PAH's into their toxic intermediates. The reactive metabolites of PAHs (epoxide intermediates, dihydrodiols, phenols, quinones, and their various combinations) covalently bind to DNA and other cellular macromolecules, initiating mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. (L10, L23, A27, A32) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: BCFs were measured in the following aquatic species: Goldfish, 162(1); Gambusia (fish), 1029(2); Rainbow trout, 4400 to 9200(3); Daphnia pulex, 759 to 912(4,5); Chlorella fusca variety vacuolata (green algae), 7760(6); Golden orfe, 912(7); Pontoporeia hoyi (scud), 17,000(8); and midge (Chironomousiparius), 46.7(9). A BCF of 7300 was measured in guppies (Poecilia reticulata) in static bioconcentration experiments(10). BCF values of 1660 to 2820 and 903 to 2710 were determined in carp (Cyprinus carpio) using flow-through conditions and anthracene concentrations of 15 and 1.5 ug/L, respectively(11). According to a classification scheme(12), these BCFs suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms ranges from moderate to very high(SRC). The BCF in Daphnia magna was found to decrease with increasing concentration of Aldrich humic acids: BCF (dissolved organic carbon, mg/L), 607 (0.2) and 319 (2.0); however, this difference was not considered significant due to the large sample variance(13). Aldrich humic acids in water did not significantly alter Daphnia magna accumulation of anthracene: BCF (dissolved organic carbon, mg/L), 389 (0.3), 362 (1.5), and 340 (5.7)(13). Depuration half- Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: Uptake, depuration, and biotransformation rates of (14)carbon-labeled anthracene were determined for Pontoporeia hoyi, the dominant benthic invertebrate in the Great Lakes, at 4, 7, 10, and 15 °C(1). The uptake rate constants increased from 136/hr to 215/hr over the temp range studied and were seasonally dependent(1). The depuration rate constant at the apparent optimum temp of 7 °C was 0.015/hr for anthracene(1). The biotransformation ability of Pontoporeia hoyi is low, and degradation of anthracene was undetectable even after exposures of 48 hr(1). The bioconcentration factor can be predicted from the uptake and depuration kinetics to be approx 16,800 at 4 °C(1). The effects of temperature and anthracene concentration on uptake and depuration rate constants and bioconcentration factors were determined for larvae of the midge, Chironomus riparius(2). At 25 °C, the uptake rate constant estimated from 10 hr and 30 hr exposure and by the initial rate methods increased with concentration between 1.7 and 30.5 ug/L(2). At a constant concentration (22 ug/L), the uptake rate constant was max at 25 °C and less at 16 and 30 °C(2). Bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) were exposed to (14)C-labele Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values ranging from 2600(2) to 8600(3) indicate that anthracene is expected to have slight to no mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of anthracene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 4.88X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(4). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). Anthracene is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 6.56X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Biodegradation half-lives of 134 days in unacclimated Kidman sandy loam soils(6) and 19 days in soil at an old oil reclamation facility(7) indicate that the extent of biodegradation will be affected by the nature of the soil, and whether resident microbial populations have been acclimated(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values ranging from 2600(2) to 8600(3) indicate that anthracene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 4.88X10-5 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 24 hrs and 12 days, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is 89 months if adsorption is considered(6). According to a classification scheme(7), BCFs ranging from 162 in goldfish(8) to 9200 in rainbow trout(9) suggest that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is moderate to very high(SRC). Aqueous soil humic acid solution Koc values ranging from 7.1X10+4 to 1.3X10+5(10) indicate that humic substances in water may reduce the bioavailability of anthracene to aquatic organisms(11). Anthracene is also susceptible to direct photolysis in sunlit surface waters(12,13). Utilizing the Japanese M 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), anthracene, which has an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6.56X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase anthracene 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 3.2 hrs(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.79X10-10 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Particulate-phase anthracene may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Rapid photolysis of anthracene in aqueous solutions has been reported(4,5); therefore, anthracene may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Sources/Uses: Used to make dyestuffs (anthraquinone and alizarin dyes); Also used to make synthetic fibers and plastics and in semiconductor research; [HSDB] May be present in wood preservatives and pesticides; Occurs in coal tar volatiles, tobacco smoke, exhaust emissions, charcoal broiled meat smoke, edible oils, surface waters, waste waters, and lake sediments; [CHEMINFO] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Applying Wood Preservatives [Category: Other] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Important source of dyestuffs (manufacturing anthraquinone, alizarin dyes). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Dyes, alizarin, phenanthrene, carbazole, anthraquinone, calico printing, a component of smoke screens, scintillation counting crystals, organic semiconductor research. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Intermediate for the synthesis of anthraquinone Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: The use of anthracene as a plasticizer for thermosetting resins and as a light stabilizer for polymers has been proposed. The use of anthracene derivatives as building blocks for engineering plastics was also suggested. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for Anthracene (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: PAHs are released into the environment via the combustion of fossil fuels, coke oven emissions and vehicle exhausts, as well as naturally from forest fires and vocanic eruptions. PAHs from these sources may contaminate nearly water systems. They are also found in coal tar and charbroiled food. (L10) 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
Great Britain Cosmetics Regulation — consolidated Annexes II–VI and amendments
Source reference
GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II, entry 38
Source record ID
II-38
Source version
2026-08-15
Source language
English
Translation status
Original is English
Effective date
2026-08-15
Source updated
2026-08-19
Snapshot checked
2026-08-30 04:51 UTC
Validation method
legislation.gov.uk XML table parse; {'II': 1758, 'III': 326, 'IV': 154, 'V': 57, 'VI': 34}
SHA-256
e3a386d950f54c6e7a7f9e784d1bd46e52de725137e89d5630709824475215d8

Registered dataset notes

Dataset coverage
Complete consolidated GB Annexes II–VI, with later amendments versioned separately
Authority note
Binding GB schedules and versioned amendments to retained Regulation 1223/2009; applies to England, Wales and Scotland, not Northern Ireland
Source licence
Open Government Licence v3.0 / Crown copyright
Attribution
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Inspect the exact official sourceRegulator guidance

How this record fits the market dataset

2329
current Great Britain records
1758
records marked Prohibited
2329
records from this source version
2015
market records with CAS identity

Status distribution

Permitted list with conditions: 245Prohibited: 1758Restricted: 326

Condition text is present on 517 of 2329 current records. An empty condition field is interpreted according to the record type above; it is never converted into an unrestricted-use claim.

Great Britain market context

Complete consolidated annex dataset

Coverage version: GB retained Regulation 1223/2009 schedules, effective 15 August 2026

Current consolidated Annexes II–VI for England, Scotland and Wales.

Verification checklist

  1. Confirm INCI/CAS/EC identity.
  2. Review every current GB Annex II–VI match.
  3. Check commencement dates and later statutory instruments.
  4. Verify SCPN, responsible-person, safety-report and labelling duties.

Official market sources

Verification workflow and record completeness

Before using this result in a compliance decision

  1. Confirm that “Anthracene oil” and every CAS/EC identifier refer to the material in your supplier specification.
  2. Confirm INCI/CAS/EC identity.
  3. Review every current GB Annex II–VI match.
  4. Check commencement dates and later statutory instruments.
  5. Verify SCPN, responsible-person, safety-report and labelling duties.
  6. Document the source version and recheck the regulator before manufacture, notification or market placement.

Fields available in this record

  • Official substance nameAvailable
  • CASAvailable
  • ECAvailable
  • Separate condition textNot present in source row
  • Effective dateAvailable
  • 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. No annex match is not approval and does not cover Northern Ireland, which follows the applicable EU framework.

The record cites GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II, entry 38, source version 2026-08-15. 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

Anthracene oil. GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II, entry 38. Great Britain. Source version 2026-08-15. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/gb/records/4395/

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 Great Britain

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 cited row forms part of a binding rule or legally incorporated list for this market.

Evidence on this page

  • Recorded outcome: Prohibited
  • Legal role: Binding rule
  • Source version: 2026-08-15
  • Effective date: 2026-08-15

What it does not prove

No annex match is not approval and does not cover Northern Ireland, which follows the applicable EU framework.

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

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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