8.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · fixative · flavoring agent
Dimethyl Phenethyl Butyrate
Molecular Formula
C14H20O2
Molecular Weight
220.31 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Dimethyl Phenethyl Butyrate is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though its effects can vary based on concentration and individual sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetic formulations
- applied to intact skin without irritation
- used in food products within established limits
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in combination with other fragrances
- applying to broken or irritated skin
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor
- you have a known allergy to similar compounds
- using in high concentrations in food or cosmetics
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C14H20O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 220.31 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 253.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3.5 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetic products when used appropriately.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used as a flavoring agent; ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical formulations. Use in pharmaceuticals should follow regulatory guidelines.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dimethyl Phenethyl Butyrate is generally well tolerated on skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal discomfort; use with caution.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; avoid direct exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk due to sensitivity to chemicals.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; use cautiously.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- elderly — Generally safe; monitor for any adverse effects.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; monitor for any adverse reactions. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; use cautiously. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to chemicals; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated; monitor for sensitivity. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Dimethyl Phenethyl Butyrate has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2019) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | EFSA Opinion (2018) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Dimethyl Phenethyl Butyrate has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations.
- Limited data on long-term effects.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Dimethyl Phenethyl Butyrate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on the safety of flavoring substances
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a flavoring agent in food.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Dimethyl Phenethyl Butyrate
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products under specified conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Dimethyl Phenethyl Butyrate is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products containing this ingredient during pregnancy.
Potential side effects may include skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:20:54.757806Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.