Ingredient Dictionary

METHENAMINE

Hexamethylenetetramine is a polycyclic cage that is adamantane in which the carbon atoms at positions 1, 3, 5 and 7 are replaced by nitrogen atoms.

Korean limit: 0.15%

METHENAMINE Molecular structure — Molecular structure

Definition

Methenamine is the organic amine that conforms to the formula:

Hexamethylenetetramine is a polycyclic cage that is adamantane in which the carbon atoms at positions 1, 3, 5 and 7 are replaced by nitrogen atoms. It has a role as an antibacterial drug. It is a polycyclic cage, a tetramine and a polyazaalkane.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII J50OIX95QV · registered name Methenamine · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Inhibits microbial growthANTIMICROBIALStops microbes growing in the productPRESERVATIVE

Safety & regulatory references

Restricted or banned: China
Allowed preservative: United Kingdom

Source: MFDS (Korea) cosmetic regulatory information · ASEAN Cosmetic Directive · EU Cosmetics Regulation · Taiwan FDA cosmetic ingredients · UK cosmetics regulations (OPSS)

Argentina · Brazil

Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 0.15%

ASEAN

Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 0.15%

Taiwan

Maximum concentration : 0.15%
0.15%

South Korea

Maximum concentration : 0.15%

European Union

Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 0.15%

Source: MFDS (Korea) cosmetic regulatory information

Korea’s toxic-substance GHS classification: Warning · H228 (category 2) · H317 (category 1)

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex V (allowed preservatives), entry 30 · maximum concentration 0.15%

Source: EU allowed preservatives (Annex V)

Restriction V/30 · SCCS opinion: SCIENTIFIC ADVICE ON the threshold for the warning ‘contains formaldehyde’ in Annex V, preamble point 2 for formaldehyde-releasing substances

Source: EU CosIng ingredient list

Reviewed by CIR: Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments: 2007-2010

Source: US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

Reviewed by CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Methenamine

Source: US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Names & identifiers

METHENAMINEINCI메텐아민Korean label name (MFDS standard)1,3,5,7-Tetraazatricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decaneSynonym

CAS No.chemical registry number: 100-97-0
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 202-905-8
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID6020692
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID00692

IUPAC: 1,3,5,7-Tetraazatricyclo[3.3.1.1~3,7~]decane
Molecular formula: C6H12N4
Molecular weight: 140.19 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: Hexamethylenetetramine appears as odorless white crystalline powder or colorless lustrous crystals. Sublimes in a vacuum at about 505 °F with some decomposition. Solutions are strong bases (pH of 0.2 molar aqueous solution is 8.4). (NTP, 1992) · Liquid, Dry Powder, Large Crystals
Odour: Odorless · Practically odorless
Boiling point: Sublimes (NTP, 1992)
Melting point: 536 °F (sublimes) (NTP, 1992) · Sublimes at about 260 °C without melting and with partial decomposition
Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) · In water, 302,300 mg/L at 25 °C
Density: 1.35 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water, will sink · 1.3394 g/cu cm at 22 °C
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. · Somewhat volatile at lower temp
pH: pH of 0.2 molar aqueous solution: 8.4 · 8.4
Dissociation constant: 1.4X10-9 (pK = 8.854), temperature not reported · pKa = 4.89 at 25 °C
Melting/freezing point: 280 ℃
Flash point: 250 ℃(c.c.)
Vapour pressure: 0.004 ㎜Hg (25℃)
Water solubility: 449000 ㎎/ℓ
Vapour density: 4.9
Relative density: 1.331 (at -5℃)
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): -2.84
Auto-ignition temperature: 390 ℃
Molecular weight: 140.19

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 33 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

Preservative6
Processing aids not otherwise specified5
Chemical reaction regulator4
Catalyst4
Adhesion/cohesion promoter2
Filler2
Fuel2
Hardener2

6 other uses

Dispersing agent1
Biocide1
Energy releasers (explosives, motive propellant)1
Stabilizing agent1
Monomers1
Intermediate1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

10 skin studies and 4 eye studies are on record.

Classed as moderate1

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 14 studies

Sh
Skin Sensitization · Authoritative
Skin sensitization - Category 1B
Skin Sensitization · Screening
Skin Sens. 1
Skin Sensitization · Authoritative
High Frequency of Sensitization
skin sensitisation: in vivo (LLNA) · Screening · equivalent or similar to OECD Guideline 429 (Skin Sensitisation: Local Lymph Node Assay)
High Frequency of Sensitization
skin sensitisation: in vivo (non-LLNA) · Screening · according to OECD Guideline 406 (Skin Sensitisation) 1981
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 404 (Acute Dermal Irritation / Corrosion) 1981 according to
Category 6.5B (Category 1)
Skin Sensitization · Read Across
Not classified
Skin Irritation · Screening
Category 1
Skin Sensitization · Screening
Category 6.3B (Category 3)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Not classified
Eye Irritation · Screening
Category 6.4A (Category 2A)
Eye Irritation · Read Across
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 405 (Acute Eye Irritation / Corrosion) according to
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 405 (Acute Eye Irritation / Corrosion) 1981 according to