7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · flavoring agent · preservative
Veratraldehyde
Also known as: 3,4-Dimethoxybenzaldehyde, Veratraldehyde, Veratraldehyde
Molecular Formula
C9H10O3
Molecular Weight
166.17 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Veratraldehyde is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not combined with known allergens
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other fragrance products
- you have a history of allergies
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to similar compounds
- you experience irritation upon use
- you have respiratory issues
- you are using on children without testing
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C9H10O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 166.17 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 58.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 281.0°C |
| Solubility | soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 1.5 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used in food flavoring; ensure compliance with local regulations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use cautiously in pharmaceuticals; potential for irritation.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Limited use in supplements; consult a healthcare provider.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Veratraldehyde is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of veratraldehyde can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and other adverse effects.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may cause respiratory irritation, but significant effects are rare.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause severe irritation and potential damage; caution is advised.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposure.
- pregnant — Limited safety data during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but individual responses may vary.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| 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, but monitor for sensitivity. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Veratraldehyde has been assessed 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 (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | Not a skin irritant | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | no sensitization observed | Human clinical study | Low sensitization potential | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
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
Veratraldehyde has been assessed for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Potential skin irritant in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments support safe use in specified concentrations.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Veratraldehyde
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Veratraldehyde
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe as a food flavoring substance.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Ingredients and Colors
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Veratraldehyde 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.
Yes, it is permitted as a flavoring agent in food, but should comply with local regulations.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation persists.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T08:27:45.629969Z | — | 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.