6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
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fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · intermediate in organic synthesis
Phenylacetaldehyde
Also known as: 2-Phenylacetaldehyde, Benzeneacetaldehyde, Phenylacetylaldehyde
Molecular Formula
C8H8O
Molecular Weight
120.15 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Phenylacetaldehyde is generally considered safe in low concentrations, though some individuals may experience sensitivity when used in cosmetics or food products.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- included in food products within regulatory limits
- properly diluted in household products
- not used by individuals with known sensitivities
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using multiple products containing fragrances
- you notice any adverse reactions
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to aldehydes
- you are using it in high concentrations
- you experience irritation or discomfort
- you are using it in products for children
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H8O |
| Molecular Weight | 120.15 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 120.5°C |
| Boiling Point | 195°C |
| Solubility | 1 mL in 2 mL 80% ethanol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 1.8 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, creams. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe within established food safety limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical medications. Monitor for allergic reactions when used in formulations.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Ensure proper ventilation when using products containing this ingredient.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult with a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Phenylacetaldehyde may cause mild irritation upon skin contact.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of phenylacetaldehyde can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with phenylacetaldehyde can cause significant irritation.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- elderly — Generally low risk, but caution is advised.
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 | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; caution is warranted. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity to irritants. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Phenylacetaldehyde has been assessed for safety in various applications, showing low toxicity in regulated concentrations.
| 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 | Guinea pig maximization test | 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
Phenylacetaldehyde has been assessed for safety in various applications, showing low toxicity in regulated concentrations.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Potential skin irritant at high concentrations.
- Regulatory assessments support safe use in cosmetics and food.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Phenylacetaldehyde
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Phenylacetaldehyde
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe as a flavoring substance in food.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Ingredients and Colors
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Phenylacetaldehyde is permitted for use in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals 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
It is commonly used as a fragrance in cosmetics and as a flavoring agent in food products.
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should use products containing it with caution.
Consult with a healthcare provider before using products containing this ingredient during pregnancy.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:39:56.560015Z | — | 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.