Skip to content

Other

DIMETHYL MALEATE

CAS 624-48-6 / 23055-10-9
30

Safety score · 0–100

Caution

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

About

A reactive industrial monomer (the dimethyl ester of maleic acid) flagged as a skin sensitizer. Not a typical finished-cosmetic ingredient — caution warranted.

Dimethyl maleate (CAS 624-48-6) is the dimethyl ester of maleic acid, an alpha,beta-unsaturated diester used industrially as a reactive monomer in copolymers and resins. It is classified under GHS as a skin and eye irritant and a Category 1 skin sensitizer; its electrophilic Michael-acceptor double bond can react with skin proteins. There is no established cosmetic functional rationale for it as a free ingredient — appearances on INCI lists usually reflect use as a monomer feedstock for polymers, where it should be fully reacted out. Free monomer residues in finished cosmetics are not appropriate. EU CLP harmonised classification confirms sensitiser status.

Function

SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SOLVENT

Skin benefits

  • Functional only as a polymer precursor

Known concerns

  • GHS Category 1 skin sensitizer
  • Eye and skin irritant
  • Reactive Michael acceptor
  • No accepted role as a free ingredient in leave-on cosmetics

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

Related others

30
(3-Chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium chloride
Other
 30
1,1-Bis(dimethylaminomethyl)propyl benzoate (amydricaine, alypine) and its salts
Other
 30
1-Bromo-2-methylpropyl propionate
Other
 30
1-Ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bromide
Other
 30
2,6-DIMETHYL-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE HCL
Other
 30
2-AMINO-3-NITROPHENOL
Other
 30
2-CYANOMETHYL BENZIMIDAZOLE
Other
 30
2-METHOXYMETHYL-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE SULFATE
Other

Check your shelf

Find DIMETHYL MALEATE in your products.

Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains DIMETHYL MALEATE and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.

This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.