ISS 5.5 (C) — expert assessment, full evaluation in progress. The scores in the profile below were generated before this assessment.
5.5
ISS Score
C — Moderate caution — review exposure context
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance · Solvent
Limonene
Molecular Formula
C10H16
Category
Fragrance
Bottom Line: Limonene is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, though individual sensitivities may occur.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in low concentrations in formulations.
- Not applied to broken skin.
- Formulated with other non-irritating ingredients.
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have citrus allergies.
- You have sensitive skin.
- You are using products with high concentrations.
✕ Avoid If:
- You experience irritation or allergic reactions.
- You are pregnant and concerned about exposure.
- You are using products for infants or children.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H16 |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water, soluble in organic solvents |
Common Use Cases
1 Categories
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to limonene may cause irritation in sensitive individuals, particularly if oxidized.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Oral toxicity data for limonene is limited. Ingestion of large amounts may lead to gastrointestinal irritation.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation of limonene vapors in low concentrations is generally considered safe, though high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause irritation. Direct eye exposure should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- Pregnant Individuals — Limited data on the safety of limonene during pregnancy.
- Infants and Children — Safety data for young children is limited. Caution is advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- General Adult Population — Generally well tolerated in cosmetic formulations.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| General Adult Population | Low | Generally well tolerated in cosmetic formulations, though some individuals may experience sensitivity. |
| Pregnant Individuals | Insufficient Data | Limited data on the safety of limonene during pregnancy. |
| Infants and Children | Insufficient Data | Safety data for young children is limited. Caution is advised. |
Toxicology Data
0 Endpoints
Limonene is widely used in cosmetics and household products, though individual sensitivities may vary.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|
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
Limonene is widely used in cosmetics and household products, though individual sensitivities may vary.
- Commonly used as a fragrance.
- May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Limited data on long-term exposure.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
Pending formal assessment
Report: No formal safety assessment identified
Year: 2026
Conclusion: This ingredient has not been formally assessed by major regulatory or scientific bodies based on available records.
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Must be labeled if >0.001% (leave-on) or >0.01% (rinse-off) Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionFRAGRANCE ALLERGEN - MANDATORY LABELING REQUIRED
Must be labeled if >0.001% (leave-on) or >0.01% (rinse-off)
United States
FDAPERMITTED; GRAS FOR FOOD FLAVORING
Frequently Asked Questions
Limonene is primarily used as a fragrance in cosmetics and household products due to its pleasant citrus scent.
Limonene may cause irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin. Patch testing is recommended.
There is limited data on the safety of limonene during pregnancy. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-10-01 | — |
⚠ 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.