6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance · solvent · fixative · skin conditioning agent
Isoamyl Salicylate
Also known as: Salicylate de l'isoamyle, Isoamyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
Molecular Formula
C12H16O3
Molecular Weight
208.25 g/mol
Category
fragrance ingredient
Bottom Line: Isoamyl Salicylate is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not combined with known allergens
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other fragrance products
- you have a history of allergies
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to salicylates
- you have asthma or respiratory issues
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using on children
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C12H16O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 208.25 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 277.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible at room temperature (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.6 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe when used as a flavoring agent.
Pharmaceutical
Topical analgesics, ointments. Use with caution in sensitive individuals.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure good ventilation when using products containing this ingredient.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Isoamyl Salicylate is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Isoamyl Salicylate may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; immediate rinsing is recommended.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of irritation and adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; consult healthcare provider.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- elderly — Generally safe but should monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to chemicals; risk of irritation is significant. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Isoamyl Salicylate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
| 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 | Not a skin irritant | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | may cause sensitization in some individuals | Human sensitization study | Potential allergen | EFSA Opinion (2014) |
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
Isoamyl Salicylate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Isoamyl Salicylate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Isoamyl Salicylate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Isoamyl Salicylate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: The SCCS concluded that Isoamyl Salicylate is safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Isoamyl Salicylate
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Isoamyl Salicylate is considered safe for use as a food flavoring substance.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Isoamyl Salicylate is generally 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
Isoamyl Salicylate may cause irritation for some individuals with sensitive skin; patch testing is recommended.
Consult your healthcare provider before using products containing Isoamyl Salicylate during pregnancy.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:20:34.666545Z | — | 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.