Is Attapulgite safe in cosmetics?
Attapulgite has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Attapulgite
INCI: ATTAPULGITE
Attapulgite (CAS 12174-11-7) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Abrasive, Opacifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in pharmaceutical data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 12174-11-7 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Abrasive, Opacifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent
Safety Rating
MODERATE
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
No specific FDA restrictions on cosmetic use; not GRAS-listed individually
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Attapulgite.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged inhalation of fibres may cause effects on the lungs. This may result in fibrosis. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
2B
Volume
68
Evaluation Year
1996
Additional Ingredient Properties
3 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
anti_pollution
{"cas_number": "12174-11-7", "ingredient_class": "anti_pollution", "primary_mechanism": "barrier_reinforcement", "pollution_types_targeted": "PM2_5", "IR_A_protection": "no", "visible_light_protection": "no", "digital_screen_protection_claim": "no", "PAH_neutralization": "no", "ozone_protection": "no", "mitochondrial_protection": "no", "Nrf2_activation": "no", "AhR_pathway_modulation": "no", "NF_k…
deodorant
{"cas_number": "12174-11-7", "ingredient_class": "sweat_absorber", "mechanism_of_action": "odor_absorption", "antiperspirant_efficacy_sweat_reduction_pct": "0", "deodorant_efficacy_hours": "8-12", "odor_reduction_pct": "40-60", "bacteriostatic": "no", "bactericidal": "no", "microbiome_impact": "neutral", "axillary_microbiome_effect": "varies by ingredient", "MIC_value_if_antimicrobial": "varies", …
mineral_clay
{"cas_number": "12174-11-7", "ingredient_class": "clay", "chemical_formula": "Mg-Al silicate", "mineral_origin": "natural", "particle_size_range_um": "1-50", "surface_area_m2_per_g": "100-250", "crystal_structure": "fibrous", "color_appearance": "tan", "opacity": "opaque", "refractive_index": "1.53", "oil_absorption_g_per_100g": "100-250", "water_absorption_capacity": "low", "surface_charge_at_pH_…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Abrasive
Absorbent
Filler
Flow promoter
Opacifer
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Thickening agent
Viscosity modifier
Regulatory List Membership (2)
California Proposition 65 (OEHHA)
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Attapulgite.
Regulatory Flags
Environmental
prop65
fda_food_additive
Chemical Function
Abrasive
Absorbent
Viscosity modifier
Opacifer
Filler
Thickening agent
Regulatory Lists
Canada; Personal care; Substances in PCP - Canada (4/2014)
active_ingredient; Pesticides
Canada; Personal care; Substances in PCP - Canada (4/2014)
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Canada; pharmaceutical
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
food_additive; Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) (2/2019)
OEHHA Proposition 65 (3/2019)
OEHHA Proposition 65 (1/2023)
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Compound
attapulgite
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL2108832
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Attapulgite allowed in the EU?
Attapulgite EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Attapulgite do in cosmetics?
Attapulgite functions as: Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Abrasive, Opacifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 12174-11-7.
Is Attapulgite used outside cosmetics?
Attapulgite also appears in pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Compliance Tools
Check Attapulgite compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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