6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance · Solvent · Emollient
Phenylisohexanol
Molecular Formula
C12H18O
Molecular Weight
178.27 g/mol
Category
Fragrance ingredient
Bottom Line: Phenylisohexanol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and household products, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in well-formulated cosmetic products
- concentration is within recommended limits
- not applied to broken skin
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using multiple products containing fragrances
- applying to areas with irritation
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or nursing without consulting a doctor
- you have a known allergy to similar compounds
- using on open wounds or severely irritated skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C12H18O |
| Molecular Weight | 178.27 g/mol |
| Log P | 3.2 |
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use with caution in sensitive formulations.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure proper ventilation when using household products.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Phenylisohexanol is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Phenylisohexanol may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but prolonged exposure may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; immediate rinsing is recommended.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to skin irritants and potential systemic absorption.
- pregnant — Potential for increased sensitivity and effects on fetal development.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for cosmetic ingredients. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Pregnant individuals may have heightened sensitivity to certain substances. |
| infants_children | High | Children's skin is more sensitive, increasing risk of irritation. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; caution is advised. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities to topical agents. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may react more strongly to irritants. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Phenylisohexanol is a fragrance ingredient with moderate safety assessments supporting its use in cosmetics and household products.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (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
Phenylisohexanol is a fragrance ingredient with moderate safety assessments supporting its use in cosmetics and household products.
- Used primarily for fragrance in various products.
- Generally recognized as safe in recommended concentrations.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Phenylisohexanol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Phenylisohexanol
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Substance Registration
Year: 2020
Conclusion: No restrictions on use in cosmetics.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Phenylisohexanol is permitted for use in cosmetics and household products 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
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should test products containing it cautiously.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with this ingredient during pregnancy.
It is commonly found in fragrances, lotions, and shampoos.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:43:10.497734Z | — | 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.