9.0
ISS Score
A+ — Excellent — very low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · solvent · preservative
Methyl Anthranilate
Also known as: Methyl 2-aminobenzoate, Methyl anthranilate, Methyl anthranilic acid
Molecular Formula
C8H9NO2
Molecular Weight
151.16 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Methyl Anthranilate is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- consumed in food products within regulatory limits
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other fragrance products
- you have a history of respiratory issues
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to similar compounds
- you experience irritation after use
- you are using it in high concentrations
- you have a known sensitivity to fragrances
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H9NO2 |
| Molecular Weight | 151.16 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 24.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 238.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Density | 1.1682 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 1.9 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in low concentrations; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, confectionery. Considered safe when used within food safety regulations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, medicated ointments. Use with caution; consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
Supplement
Flavoring in dietary supplements. Generally safe; check for allergies before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Methyl anthranilate is generally well tolerated on skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of methyl anthranilate may cause gastrointestinal irritation in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may lead to mild respiratory irritation, but significant effects are rare.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with methyl anthranilate can cause irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures may lead to adverse effects.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitoring is advised.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally, adults can tolerate methyl anthranilate without significant issues. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the 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 recommended. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals typically tolerate methyl anthranilate well. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Methyl Anthranilate is a fragrance compound with low toxicity and is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food.
| 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 irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions | 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
Methyl Anthranilate is a fragrance compound with low toxicity and is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food.
- Low acute toxicity and non-irritating.
- Widely used in food and cosmetic products.
- Regulatory assessments support its safe use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Methyl Anthranilate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Methyl Anthranilate
Year: 2013
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe for food use.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Methyl Anthranilate 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 considered safe for use in food flavoring within regulatory limits.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:37:40.013901Z | — | 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.