6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · preservative · antimicrobial agent
Phenethyl Alcohol
Also known as: 2-Phenylethanol, Phenethyl alcohol, Phenethyl alcohol
Molecular Formula
C8H10O
Molecular Weight
122.16 g/mol
Category
alcohol
Bottom Line: Phenethyl alcohol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations (typically below 1%)
- applied to intact skin
- used in well-formulated products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using products with multiple fragrances
- applying to broken or irritated skin
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to phenethyl alcohol
- you have a history of skin reactions to similar compounds
- using in high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H10O |
| Molecular Weight | 122.16 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -27.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 219.0°C |
| Solubility | 1 mL in 2 mL 50% ethanol (in ethanol) |
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 1.4 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Generally safe in cosmetic products when used appropriately.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used as a flavoring agent; ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Pharmaceutical
Topical medications, preservatives in formulations. Used in low concentrations; monitor for allergic reactions.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Generally safe in household products; avoid direct skin contact.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Phenethyl alcohol is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of phenethyl alcohol may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with phenethyl alcohol can cause irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children may experience more pronounced effects from exposure.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Low risk expected with careful use.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for phenethyl alcohol exposure. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on the effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Minimal risk expected, but caution is still recommended. |
| elderly | Low to Moderate | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity to irritants. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Phenethyl alcohol is widely used in cosmetics and food, with a good safety profile based on available studies.
| 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 (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization observed | EFSA Opinion (2016) |
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
Phenethyl alcohol is widely used in cosmetics and food, with a good safety profile based on available studies.
- Used as a preservative and fragrance in various products.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Phenethyl Alcohol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Phenethyl Alcohol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Phenethyl Alcohol
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Phenethyl alcohol 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
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should use caution and perform a patch test.
Yes, it is permitted as a flavoring agent in food products under regulatory guidelines.
Potential side effects include skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:37:09.244856Z | — | 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.