MSDS Commentary: Tetraacetylphytosphingosine

Identification

Chemical Name: Tetraacetylphytosphingosine
Common Uses: Ingredient in skin care formulations, targeted for barrier repair, often found in advanced creams or serums addressing dry or damaged skin
Molecular Formula: C30H55NO6
Physical State: Solid at room temperature, typically presenting as a white to off-white powder
Odor: Usually faint, not pungent or sharp; not noticed in diluted cosmetic concentrations
Uses in Industry: Limited mainly to cosmetic and dermatological products; not widely applied outside these sectors

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous by most global standards based on available safety data for the intended concentrations
Possible Risks: May cause eye or skin irritation in pure form or at very high concentrations, which would be uncommon under normal use
Routes of Exposure: Skin contact most common, particularly through topical lotions or creams; accidental inhalation or ingestion unlikely outside manufacturing context
Avoid: Direct contact with eyes or prolonged skin exposure with undiluted powder

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Component: Tetraacetylphytosphingosine as the primary active ingredient
Other Ingredients: Product formulations can carry various excipients—these are mostly inert carriers or skin conditioning agents depending on the final product type
Purity: Typically marketed at high purity for cosmetic use

First Aid Measures

Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water if irritation occurs; remove contaminated clothing if exposure is prolonged
Eye Contact: Rinse with lukewarm water for several minutes if powder comes in contact with eyes; avoid rubbing; seek further medical attention if redness or pain persists
Inhalation: Move to fresh air if powder becomes airborne and inhaled; rinse mouth and throat with water if irritation develops
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out, seek medical advice if large amounts ingested unexpectedly

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or CO2 to extinguish flames
Combustion Hazards: Decomposition may produce carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides, especially in a confined space
Protection for Firefighters: Wear appropriate protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus in case of significant fire
Flash Point: No precise data, but not expected to pose a high fire risk at typical storage conditions

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, ventilate area, use gloves and protective eyewear during clean-up
Clean-Up Method: Gently sweep or scoop the material into suitable containers; avoid raising dust; dispose of in accordance with local regulations
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains or waterways; not known to be highly hazardous to aquatic systems at small concentrations, but unnecessary spills create occupational hazards and disposal issues

Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhaling powders; wash hands after use especially before eating or touching face
Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly closed and store in a cool, dry location away from direct heat and moisture sources
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents should not be stored in close proximity to prevent reaction risk

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or general room ventilation in manufacturing facilities where powders could become airborne
Protective Equipment: Gloves, protective goggles, and lab coats help prevent direct contact; in rare cases of industrial-scale work, dust masks or respirators may lower inhalation risk
Hygiene Measures: Routine hand washing reduces workplace irritation, especially if working with open powders or handling bulk ingredients

Physical and Chemical Properties

Form: Solid powder
Color: White to off-white
Odor: Mild, not unpleasant
Solubility: Low in water, moderate in alcohols and some cosmetic solvents
Melting Point: Data varies, but generally stable under normal handling conditions
pH (solution): Neutral to slightly acidic in formulated products

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; not prone to spontaneous decomposition at room temperature
Hazardous Reactions: No hazardous polymerization expected; avoid mixing with strong oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Combustion or excessive heating generates carbonaceous and nitrogenous fumes

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low; not associated with systemic toxicity at exposure levels typical in cosmetics and skin care
Skin irritation: Possible with undiluted powder; formulated products rarely cause issues unless applied to broken skin
Eye irritation: May cause stinging or mild irritation if splashed directly into the eye
Sensitization: Not reported as a common allergen; patch test practices remain best for novel formulations

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: No broad evidence of toxicity to aquatic plants or animals at concentrations likely to enter wastewater from normal product use
Persistence and Biodegradability: Biodegradable through natural biological processes although data remains limited; considered minimally persistent in most environmental compartments
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely, owing to chemical structure and expected metabolic breakdown

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Collect remaining powders and dispose via licensed chemical waste disposal; discourage pouring raw ingredient into normal garbage or drains
Packaging Disposal: Rinse and recycle containers when possible, consistent with local waste protocols
Regulatory Aspects: Addressed under non-hazardous waste streams in most regions, though some localities treat cosmetic ingredients with stricter controls to prevent environmental residues

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport; shipped as general chemical cargo
Proper Shipping Name: Chemical ingredient, used for personal care or laboratory applications
Handling Precautions in Transit: Ensure containers stay sealed, dry and away from heat; products in powder form do best when secured against overturning or breakage

Regulatory Information

Global Regulation: Approved by multiple regulatory agencies for cosmetic use; not currently listed as a restricted or controlled substance
Labeling: Cosmetic manufacturers list by INCI name in ingredient declarations; not flagged for special hazard communication under major chemical safety rules
Occupational Safety: Not flagged under OSHA or REACH as presenting special workplace hazard beyond standard hygiene and dust control
Consumer Safety: Dermatological safety tested as required before wide product distribution; companies typically conduct patch testing for leave-on skin products prior to launch