6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
antioxidant · fragrance ingredient · preservative · solvent
2-Methoxyphenol/2,2-Dimethyl-3-Methylenebicyclo-Heptane Hydrogenated
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: 2-Methoxyphenol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though caution is advised with sensitive skin.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- applied to intact skin
- not combined with known irritants
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other active ingredients
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to phenolic compounds
- you experience irritation or allergic reactions
- you are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, hair dyes. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, food preservatives. Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
Pharmaceutical
Topical analgesics, antiseptics. Monitor for allergic reactions during use.
Supplement
Herbal extracts, dietary aids. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to 2-Methoxyphenol is generally low risk for skin contact.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of 2-Methoxyphenol may pose moderate risks, particularly in large amounts.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low to moderate risk, depending on concentration.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with 2-Methoxyphenol can cause significant irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with proper use.
- elderly — Typically well tolerated but should be monitored.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is recommended. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have different sensitivities; monitor for reactions. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
2-Methoxyphenol has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
| 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 | Rabbit - Draize test | Not a skin irritant | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Guinea Pig - Maximization 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
2-Methoxyphenol has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Potential skin irritant for sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments support safe use in specified applications.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of 2-Methoxyphenol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on 2-Methoxyphenol
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted for use in food applications.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
2-Methoxyphenol is generally 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 use caution and perform a patch test.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with this ingredient during pregnancy.
Possible 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 | 2026-04-13T03:09:56.483355Z | — | 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.