6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance agent · Fixative · Odor masking agent
Musk Ketone
Also known as: Musk Ketone, 4-Phenyl-3-buten-2-one, Musk Ambrette
Molecular Formula
C14H18N2O5
Molecular Weight
294.30 g/mol
Category
Fragrance
Bottom Line: Musk Ketone is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and household products, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- applied to intact skin
- not used in products for children
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using multiple fragrance products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to musk compounds
- you experience irritation or allergic reactions
- you are using it in food products
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C14H18N2O5 |
| Molecular Weight | 294.30 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 135.5°C |
| Solubility | 0.00046 mg/mL |
| Density | 0.73 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 3.7 |
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, lotions, soaps. Use in moderation to avoid potential skin irritation.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure proper ventilation when using products containing Musk Ketone.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Consult a healthcare provider before use in medicinal products.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Musk Ketone is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Musk Ketone can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and other adverse effects.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of Musk Ketone vapors may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort; avoid direct exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposure; potential for adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution advised.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Generally low risk, but caution is recommended.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally healthy adults can tolerate Musk Ketone with minimal risk. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of Musk Ketone during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Very High | Children may be more sensitive to Musk Ketone; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is recommended. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Musk Ketone is a synthetic fragrance compound with limited safety data. It is generally regarded as safe in cosmetics.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
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
Musk Ketone is a synthetic fragrance compound with limited safety data. It is generally regarded as safe in cosmetics.
- Synthetic musk compound used in fragrances.
- Limited data on long-term effects.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Musk Ketone
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Musk Ketone is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Musk Ketone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Musk Ketone is safe for use in cosmetic products under certain conditions.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of Musk Ketone
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Musk Ketone is not listed as a prohibited substance in cosmetics.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Annex III entry 97; maximum: (a) 1.4% in fine fragrance (b) 0.56% in eau de toilette (c) 0.042% in other products; applies to: All cosmetic products, with the exception of oral care products Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED IN COSMETICS (ANNEX III, ENTRY 97)
Annex III entry 97; maximum: (a) 1.4% in fine fragrance (b) 0.56% in eau de toilette (c) 0.042% in other products; applies to: All cosmetic products, with the exception of oral care products
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Musk Ketone is generally safe, but individuals with sensitive skin should use caution.
Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Musk Ketone.
Musk Ketone is not recommended for use in food products due to limited safety data.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:04:45.885917Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
| Regulatory status correction | 2026-10-29T21:31:56.862880+00:00 | 6.0 | EU regulatory status replaced with the CosIng Annex entry; the safety score was not re-evaluated. |
⚠ 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.