6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
solvent · fragrance · preservative · antimicrobial agent
Phenylpropanol
Molecular Formula
C9H12O
Molecular Weight
136.19 g/mol
Category
fragrance ingredient
Bottom Line: Phenylpropanol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and household products, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in combination with other fragrances
- exposed to high temperatures
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have a known allergy to phenylpropanol
- using on children without consultation
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C9H12O |
| Molecular Weight | 136.19 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -18.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 235.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible (in ethanol) |
| Density | 0.995 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 1.9 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, deodorants. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test first.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Use within recommended limits for flavoring.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure good ventilation when using household products.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Phenylpropanol is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of phenylpropanol may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may lead to mild respiratory irritation, but is typically low risk.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; caution advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal risk.
- elderly — Typically well tolerated; monitor for reactions.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally, adults can tolerate phenylpropanol without significant adverse effects. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to phenylpropanol effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals typically tolerate phenylpropanol well. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Phenylpropanol is 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 (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2013) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | EFSA Opinion (2015) |
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
Phenylpropanol is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Potential skin irritant for 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 Phenylpropanol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Phenylpropanol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe as a food flavoring agent within specified limits.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Phenylpropanol
Year: 2013
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Phenylpropanol 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
It may cause irritation for some individuals; patch testing is recommended.
It's best to consult a healthcare provider before using such products.
Possible side effects include skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:45:19.330538Z | — | 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.