6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
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Fragrance agent · Preservative · Cooling agent · Antiseptic
Camphor
Also known as: Borneol, Camphor oil, Camphor tree extract
Molecular Formula
C10H16O
Molecular Weight
152.23 g/mol
Category
Natural compound
Bottom Line: Camphor is generally considered safe for topical use in cosmetics, though it should be used cautiously in food and supplements.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in topical products
- applied to intact skin only
- not ingested without medical supervision
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other topical medications
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a history of seizures
- you are using on broken skin
- you are under 2 years old
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H16O |
| Molecular Weight | 152.23 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 345.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 399.0°C |
| Solubility | Insoluble |
| Density | 0.99 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 2.2 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Pain relief balms, muscle rubs, skin creams. Use in low concentrations and avoid sensitive areas.
Food
Flavoring agents, herbal teas. Generally not recommended for consumption without guidance.
Pharmaceutical
Cough suppressants, topical analgesics. Follow dosage instructions carefully to avoid toxicity.
Supplement
Herbal supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Moderate
Camphor can cause skin irritation in some individuals, especially with prolonged exposure.
oral
oral
Risk Level: High
Ingestion of camphor can lead to toxicity, including nausea and neurological effects.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of camphor vapors may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with camphor can cause irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- pregnant — Pregnant individuals should avoid camphor due to potential risks.
- infants_children — This group is at very high risk for toxicity.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically can tolerate camphor with caution.
- elderly — May tolerate camphor but should be monitored.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Moderate | Adults may tolerate camphor better, but should still use caution. |
| pregnant | High | Pregnant individuals should avoid camphor due to potential risks to the fetus. |
| infants_children | Very High | Infants and children are particularly sensitive to camphor toxicity. |
| breastfeeding | Moderate | Limited data on camphor transfer in breast milk; caution is advised. |
| elderly | Low to Moderate | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity to camphor. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from camphor. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Camphor has various uses in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, but safety concerns exist regarding ingestion.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 2000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Moderate acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Rabbit - Dermal application | Not irritating | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Guinea Pig - Maximization test | Not sensitizing | FDA Regulatory Status (2020) |
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
Camphor has various uses in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, but safety concerns exist regarding ingestion.
- Effective as a topical analgesic.
- Potentially toxic if ingested.
- Regulatory reviews highlight safety in topical use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Camphor
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Camphor is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 11%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Camphor
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Camphor is safe for cosmetic use but should be limited in concentration.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Camphor - Regulatory Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Camphor is recognized as safe for topical use but not for ingestion.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Camphor is permitted in cosmetics with restrictions on concentration and ingestion. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
Not for ingestion
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Limited to 11% in cosmetics
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentRESTRICTED
Limited to 11% in cosmetics
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Not for ingestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, camphor is generally safe for topical use in low concentrations.
Ingesting camphor is not recommended and can be toxic.
Risks include skin irritation and toxicity if ingested; use cautiously.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:36:16.789197Z | — | 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.