5.0
ISS Score
C — Moderate caution — review exposure context
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance agent · Flavoring agent · Solvent · Antimicrobial agent
L-Beta-Pinene
Also known as: Beta-Pinene, L-Pinene, L-Beta-Pinene
Molecular Formula
C10H16
Molecular Weight
136.23 g/mol
Category
Terpene
Bottom Line: L-Beta-Pinene is generally considered safe for use in various products, though individual sensitivities may occur.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in low concentrations in cosmetic products
- Ingested as part of food flavoring
- Used in well-ventilated areas for household products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have a history of skin sensitivities or allergies
- Using in combination with other strong fragrances
- Pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare provider
✕ Avoid If:
- You are allergic to pine or related compounds
- Using on broken or irritated skin
- Ingesting in large quantities outside of food products
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H16 |
| Molecular Weight | 136.23 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -61.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 165.0°C |
| Log P | 3.1 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test first.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, confectionery. Used as a flavoring agent; safe in regulated amounts.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicinal oils. Consult a healthcare provider for medicinal use.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Use in well-ventilated areas to avoid irritation.
Supplement
Essential oils, dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
L-Beta-Pinene is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of L-Beta-Pinene may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically safe, but may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort; caution is advised.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity and risk of adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; consult healthcare provider.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal side effects.
- elderly — Generally safe, but monitor for individual sensitivities.
- breastfeeding — Use with caution; limited data available.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity in young children; 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 sensitivities. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
L-Beta-Pinene is a terpene with potential benefits and safety concerns, particularly regarding skin irritation.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2018) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2018) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2018) |
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
L-Beta-Pinene is a terpene with potential benefits and safety concerns, particularly regarding skin irritation.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food products.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments indicate moderate safety.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of L-Beta-Pinene
Year: 2018
Conclusion: L-Beta-Pinene is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on L-Beta-Pinene
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Considered safe as a food flavoring agent within established limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Annex III entry 371; no maximum concentration is recorded in CosIng for this entry; check the entry's conditions of use Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED IN COSMETICS (ANNEX III, ENTRY 371)
Annex III entry 371; no maximum concentration is recorded in CosIng for this entry; check the entry's conditions of use
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
L-Beta-Pinene is a terpene found in pine trees and many essential oils, used for its fragrance and potential benefits.
Generally, L-Beta-Pinene is safe for skin use in cosmetics, but patch testing is recommended for sensitive individuals.
L-Beta-Pinene is considered safe for ingestion in food products within regulated limits, but consult a healthcare provider for supplements.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:28:56.014302Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
| Regulatory status correction | 2026-10-29T21:31:48.564878+00:00 | 5.0 | EU regulatory status replaced with the CosIng Annex entry; the safety score was not re-evaluated. |
⚠ 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.