Structural features known to irritate and corrode skin and physical properties associated with skin absorption were used to evaluate the irritation and corrosion potential of chemicals. Chemicals that irritate and corrode skin include organic acids and bases, aldehydes, halogenated esters, and chemicals with reactive groups. The activity of the reactive group decreases when sterically hindered by adjacent substituents or when electrons of the reactive group interfere with electrons of adjacent substituents. The structural features presented are a good basis for the calculation of SAR prediction rules. Also quantitative and qualitative physical conditions are given to predict skin irritation and skin corrosion.