7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · preservative · solvent
Anisaldehyde
Also known as: p-Anisaldehyde, 4-Methoxybenzaldehyde, Anisic aldehyde
Molecular Formula
C8H8O2
Molecular Weight
136.15 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Anisaldehyde is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- properly diluted in formulations
- not applied to broken skin
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in large quantities
- exposed to sunlight after application
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you have a known allergy to anisaldehyde
- using on open wounds or irritated skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H8O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 136.15 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 248.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible at room temperature (in ethanol) |
| Density | 1.1191 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 1.8 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations at low concentrations.
Food
Flavoring agents, baked goods, confectionery. Used as a flavoring agent; ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in formulations; monitor for allergic reactions.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Safe for use in household products; avoid direct skin contact.
Supplement
Herbal supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Anisaldehyde is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of anisaldehyde can lead to gastrointestinal irritation; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation; exposure should be minimized.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; immediate rinsing is essential.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of irritation and adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; caution is recommended.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but should be used cautiously.
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. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Anisaldehyde is a fragrance compound with a generally favorable safety profile in various applications.
| 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 (2018) |
| 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
Anisaldehyde is a fragrance compound with a generally favorable safety profile in various applications.
- Widely used in cosmetics and food products.
- Regulatory bodies have assessed its safety.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Anisaldehyde
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Anisaldehyde is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Anisaldehyde
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Anisaldehyde
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products with appropriate concentration limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Anisaldehyde is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, anisaldehyde is generally safe in cosmetics at low concentrations, though some may experience sensitivity.
Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation from anisaldehyde.
Yes, anisaldehyde is permitted as a flavoring agent in food products by regulatory authorities.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:16:14.038259Z | — | 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.