Hydrofluorocarbon 152a

Safety Information

Scientific data supporting the safety of hydrofluorocarbon 152a as used in cosmetics and personal care products was last published in 2022 by the Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Expert Panel), concluding that it is safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics. The Panel noted that the European Union has issued regulations restricting the use of fluorinated gases in personal care and household products. The regulations are directed toward the protection of the global environment, which falls outside of the Panel’s purview of personal use safety.

Potential adverse effects during normal use of cosmetic spray products are unlikely due to the chemical and physical properties of this spray propellant ingredient. Hydrofluorocarbon 152a is a largely inert gas that rapidly volatilizes and disperses upon application. Therefore, if it is incidentally inhaled during use and absorbed into the bloodstream, it is quickly cleared from the body through exhalation.

Extensive short- and long-term inhalation safety studies, conducted at concentrations significantly higher than those consumers would ever be exposed to during cosmetic use, indicate that the use of hydrofluorocarbon 152a in cosmetic spray products will not cause adverse health effects when used as directed.

 

Resources

Hydrofluorocarbon 152a

What Is It?

Hydrofluorocarbon 152a (1,1-difluoroethane), commonly known as HFC-152a, is a gas that functions as a propellant in personal care products.

Why Is It Used?

Hydrofluorocarbon 152a is used as propellant in hair spray and spray deodorants. It is also used in foams, mousses and commercial aerosol foam products (e.g., hair styling and skin conditioning mousses).

Scientific Facts

Hydrofluorocarbon 152a is an aerosol propellant that does not contain chlorine atoms. It was initially developed as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were found to be harmful to the ozone layer. The reduced environmental impact and human safety profile made Hydrofluorocarbon 152a a preferred option for use in various industries, including cosmetics.