Ingredient
Cyclohexylamine
Cyclohexylamine is flagged for pregnancy and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is irritant and absorbed into the body.
- CHA
- Aminocyclohexane
- Hexahydroaniline
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 2 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 4 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Cyclohexylamine and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Absorbed into the body
Cyclohexylamine is a synthetic amine compound used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in cosmetics. It helps maintain the stability and proper pH of formulations. The compound is used in very small concentrations as a functional ingredient rather than an active component. There is limited specific research on cyclohexylamine use during pregnancy. However, the compound's classification as an irritant and its potential for skin penetration raise theoretical concerns. The EU SCCS has restricted its use in cosmetics due to irritation potential, which may be heightened during pregnancy when skin can be more sensitive. While there are no direct studies showing teratogenic effects from topical cosmetic use, the lack of pregnancy-specific safety data combined with its irritant properties warrants caution. Given the EU restrictions on this ingredient and limited pregnancy safety data, many dermatologists recommend pregnant women opt for products using alternative buffering agents. The irritation potential is of particular concern as pregnant skin is often more reactive. Products with alternative pH adjusters like citric acid or sodium hydroxide at appropriate levels may be preferable choices.
Cyclohexylamine and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Cyclohexylamine is used in small concentrations as a pH adjuster in cosmetic products. When used at regulated concentrations in leave-on products (0.04% EU limit) or rinse-off products (0.45% EU limit), systemic absorption through skin is minimal. There is no specific data on cyclohexylamine transfer to breast milk. However, at cosmetic-use concentrations and with topical application, significant systemic absorption is unlikely. The primary concern is local skin irritation rather than systemic effects or milk transfer. While there are no specific restrictions for breastfeeding, the same standard precautions apply as for any cosmetic ingredient: avoid applying products to the breast area before breastfeeding to prevent infant exposure. Given the ingredient's irritant potential, some dermatologists may recommend products with gentler buffering agents, though cyclohexylamine at regulated concentrations is not specifically contraindicated during lactation.
Cyclohexylamine and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
Cyclohexylamine serves as a pH adjuster in cosmetic formulations. At regulated concentrations, it helps maintain product stability and effectiveness. The main consideration for postpartum use is potential skin irritation. Postpartum skin can be more sensitive due to hormonal changes. While cyclohexylamine at regulated concentrations is generally considered safe, those experiencing increased skin sensitivity may prefer products with gentler buffering systems. There are no specific concerns beyond general irritation potential for postpartum use when not breastfeeding.
Cyclohexylamine and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
Cyclohexylamine is a buffering agent used in very small concentrations in cosmetics. There is no evidence that topical use at cosmetic concentrations affects fertility or reproductive function. While the ingredient is flagged for caution during pregnancy due to limited data and irritant properties, there are no known concerns about using it while trying to conceive. The compound does not accumulate in tissues or interfere with hormonal balance relevant to conception. Once pregnancy is achieved, you may choose to switch to products with alternative buffering agents as a precautionary measure.
Cyclohexylamine and PCOS
Safe to Use
Cyclohexylamine is a pH buffering agent used in small amounts to maintain cosmetic formulation stability. It has no known hormonal activity or effects on androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other PCOS-related pathways. There are no known concerns about cyclohexylamine affecting PCOS symptoms or hormonal balance. The compound functions purely as a pH adjuster without biological activity relevant to PCOS management. Women with PCOS can use products containing cyclohexylamine without concern for hormonal interference. The main consideration would be individual skin sensitivity, as PCOS-related skin concerns like acne may make skin more reactive to potential irritants, though this is not specific to PCOS itself.
Cyclohexylamine and general use
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Cyclohexylamine is a synthetic amine used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps maintain product stability and ensures formulations remain at optimal pH levels for effectiveness and preservation. The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has evaluated cyclohexylamine and imposed restrictions due to its irritation and sensitization potential. At high concentrations, the compound is classified as corrosive and a strong irritant. The SCCS concluded that use up to 0.45% in rinse-off products and 0.04% in leave-on products is safe for consumers, though these limits reflect concerns about skin and eye irritation. People with sensitive skin or existing skin conditions may experience more irritation. Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation, cyclohexylamine is a restricted substance with specific concentration limits. Products sold in the EU must comply with these restrictions. In the US, it is permitted in cosmetics but is recognized as a potential irritant. Consumers with sensitive skin may prefer products using alternative buffering agents like citric acid or amino acids.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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