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Glyoxal

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

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Regulatory decision and full conditions

Status
Restricted
Legal role
Binding rule
Regulatory summary
The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex III.
Conditions and restrictions
100 mg/kg

Substance identity

Official source name
Glyoxal
CAS
107-22-2
EC
203-474-9
Identity mapping
cas_number
Linked ingredient
GLYOXAL
Search this identity across the siteCAS 107-22-2EC 203-474-9

Linked CosIng identity data

Names and aliases

GLYOXAL

CosIng description: Glyoxal

EU inventory restriction note: III/194

Recorded cosmetic function: ANTIMICROBIAL, PERFUMING

Function pages:ANTIMICROBIAL, PERFUMING

View the complete ingredient profile

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.

7 market datasets
PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 107-22-2
CAS 107-22-2PubChem CID 7860

Verified chemistry for CAS 107-22-2

Glyoxal

Glyoxal is the dialdehyde that is the smallest possible and which consists of ethane having oxo groups on both carbons. It has a role as a pesticide, a plant growth regulator, an agrochemical and an allergen. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
oxaldehyde
Molecular formula
C2H2O2
Molecular weight
58.04 g/mol
Exact mass
58.005479302 Da
Monoisotopic mass
58.005479302 Da
XLogP3
-0.4
Topological polar surface area
34.1 Ų
Molecular complexity
25.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Rotatable bonds
1
Heavy atoms
4
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

EthanedialOxalaldehyde1,2-EthanedioneBiformylDiformylBiformalOxalGlyoxylaldehyde
16 more reported names
DiformalEthanedioneAerotex glyoxal 40Glyoxal aldehydeGlyoxal, 40%EthandialGlyoxal, 29.2%50NP6JJ975CHEBI:34779RefChem:5868203-474-9636-347-5Glyoxal, 40% w/w aq. soln.Glyoxal (40% w/w in H2O) (Technical Grade)ODIXC2H2O2
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
2
3D rings
0
3D hydrophobes
0
3D acceptor features
2
3D donor features
0
3D anionic centres
0
3D cationic centres
0
3D conformers
3
Effective 3D rotors
1.0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
C(=O)C=O
InChI
InChI=1S/C2H2O2/c3-1-2-4/h1-2H
InChIKey
LEQAOMBKQFMDFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Evidence from additional scientific databases

EMBL-EBI ChEBI
Exact identifier matchCHEBI:34779

glyoxal

The dialdehyde that is the smallest possible and which consists of ethane having oxo groups on both carbons.

Formula
C2H2O2
Average mass
58.036 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
58.00548 Da
Formal charge
0
  • dialdehyde — is a (CHEBI:38124)
  • allergen — has role (CHEBI:50904)
  • plant growth regulator — has role (CHEBI:26155)
  • pesticide — has role (CHEBI:25944)
  • agrochemical — has role (CHEBI:33286)
  • allergen — has role (CHEBI:50904)
  • plant growth regulator — has role (CHEBI:26155)
  • pesticide — has role (CHEBI:25944)
  • agrochemical — has role (CHEBI:33286)
  • dialdehyde — is a (CHEBI:38124)
Additional curated names
ethanedial1,2-EthanedioneBiformalBiformylDiformalDiformylethane-1,2-dialEthanedialglyoxal aldehydeglyoxylaldehydeoxalOxalaldehyde
Cross-references from this source
  • CAS: 107-22-2 — ChemIDplus
  • CAS: 107-22-2 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • CAS: 107-22-2 — NIST Chemistry WebBook
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 1732463 — Reaxys
  • MANUAL_X_REF: 272 — PPDB
  • MANUAL_X_REF: C14448 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • MANUAL_X_REF: CPD-8887 — MetaCyc
  • MANUAL_X_REF: FDB007802 — FooDB
  • MANUAL_X_REF: Glyoxal — Wikipedia
  • MANUAL_X_REF: GXT — PDBeChem

Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Source updated: 2020-10-12. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match7860

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
  • Signal: Warning Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P272, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P321, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, 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 1432) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302+H332 (30.8%): Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, inhalation]; H302 (30.8%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315 (> 99.9%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317 (> 99.9%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (99.2%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332 (96.5%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H334 (30.8%): May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]; H335 (22%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H341 (> 99.9%): Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P233, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P280, P284, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P342+P316, P362+P364, 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 1432 reports by companies from 32 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 1432 reports by companies.; There are 31 notifications provided by 1431 of 1432 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: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H402: Harmful to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P272, P273, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P316, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H402: Harmful to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Conclusion: Based on the available data, the CIR Panel concludes that Glyoxal is safe for use in products intended to be applied to the nail at concentrations ≤ 1.25%. The available data are insufficient to support the safety for other uses. 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: Glyoxal is generally available as an aqueous solution, typically containing 30-50% glyoxal in which hydrated oligomers are present. This chemical is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and dyestuffs, as a cross-linking agent in the production of polymers, as a biocide, and as a disinfecting agent. Due to microbial activity as well as non-enzymatic autoxidation of oil or browning reactions of saccharides, glyoxal is frequently detected in fermented food and beverages. It is found in beer, wine and tea. HUMAN EXPOSURE: The main routes of occupational exposure to glyoxal during use as a disinfectant are via inhalation and dermal absorption. The general population is exposed mainly through ingestion of glyoxal containing food, but could be exposed through polluted air in urban areas and traces of glyoxal found in drinking water. Glyoxal is endogenously produced during normal cellular metabolism by a multitude of enzyme independent pathways. Glyoxal is found in human blood and individuals with diabetes or renal failure have higher concentrations. Glyoxal is irritating to mucous membranes and acts as a skin sensitizing agent. ANIMAL/PLANT Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated for glyoxal(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of -1.66(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), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that glyoxal is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important environmental fate process given a Henry's law constant of 3.33X10-9 atm-cu m/mol(3). The potential for volatilization of glyoxal from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 255 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Screening studies using sewage seed have indicated that glyoxal is readily biodegradable(5,6). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 1(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that glyoxal is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important environmental fate process(3), based on a Henry's law constant of 3.33X10-9 atm cu m/mol(4). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of -1.66(6) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Glyoxal undergoes direct photolysis with an estimated atmospheric lifetime of 5 hours(8), suggesting that photolysis in sunlit surface waters may be an important environmental fate process(SRC). Glyoxal is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups. Screening studies using sewage seed have indicated that glyoxal is readily biodegradable(9,10). 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), glyoxal, which has an extrapolated vapor pressure of 255 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely in the vapor phase in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase glyoxal 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 34 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.14X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Glyoxal also undergoes direct photolysis in the environment, with an estimated atmospheric lifetime of 5 hours(4). Glyoxal also reacts with ozone(4); however, the rate is significantly slower than the rate of direct photolysis and reaction with hydroxyl radicals and not considered an important atmospheric degradation mechanism(4). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Other; Monomers; Viscosity modifiers; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Softener and conditioner; Surface modifier; Intermediate Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Glyoxal Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used in paper and textile production, leather tanning, textile dyeing, embalming, curing and cross-linking polymers; Also used as biocide and disinfectant and to make proteins and other materials insoluble; [HSDB] Used in organic synthesis and glues; [Merck Index] Used predominantly as a chemical intermediate; Also used as reducing agent in the photographic industry and to make silvered mirrors; [Reference #1] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry]; Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry]; Photographic Processing [Category: Other]; Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Permanent-press fabrics; dimensional stabilization of rayon and other fibers; insolubilizing agent for compounds containing polyhydroxyl groups (polyvinyl alcohol, starch and cellulosic materials); insolubilizing of proteins (casein, gelatin and animal glue); embalming fluids; leather tanning; paper coatings with hydroxyethylcellulose; reducing agent in dyeing textiles. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: In paper industry for sizing, washable wall paper, treating glue surface of envelopes; in textile industry for preventing shrinking and creasing; as substitute for formaldehyde in embalming fluids. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Glyoxal is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and dyestuffs. It is also used in the industrial production of alpha-hydroxyalkylureas (the addition of glyoxal to urea) and is industrially employed as a cross-linking agent in the production of a range of different polymers, such as textiles (e.g., permanent press fabrics), paper, and proteins. It is used as a biocide and as a disinfecting agent and is present in many products, such as cleansers used for the disinfection of surfaces. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Use (kg; approx.) in Germany (2009): >25000; Consumption (g per capita; approx.) in Germany (2009): 0.305; Excretion rate: 1; Calculated removal (%): 92.1 Source: NORMAN Suspect List Exchange

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
EMBL-EBI ChEBIExact match2026-08-31
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 III, entry 194
Source record ID
III-194
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
326
records marked Restricted
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 “Glyoxal” 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 textAvailable
  • Effective dateAvailable
  • Snapshot hash and methodAvailable

Questions this page answers

This substance is not unrestricted: cosmetic use is subject to the conditions in the cited official record. Check product type, body area, concentration, purity and warning requirements before deciding whether a formulation is compliant.

If this row does not reproduce conditions, open the cited official detail because omission does not mean unrestricted use. 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 III, entry 194, 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

Glyoxal. GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III, entry 194. Great Britain. Source version 2026-08-15. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/gb/records/6310/

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 substance is not unrestricted: cosmetic use is subject to the conditions in the cited official record.

Check product type, body area, concentration, purity and warning requirements before deciding whether a formulation is compliant.

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: Restricted
  • 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

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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

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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