9.0
ISS Score
A+ — Excellent — very low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance ingredient · UV filter · Solvent · Emollient
Phenethyl Salicylate
Molecular Formula
C15H14O3
Molecular Weight
242.27 g/mol
Category
Fragrance
Bottom Line: Phenethyl Salicylate is generally considered safe in cosmetics and household products, 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 breastfeeding
- you are using other fragrance products
- you have a history of allergies
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to salicylates
- you experience irritation or rash
- you are using on children under 2 years
- you are using in high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C15H14O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 242.27 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 44.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 370.0°C |
| Solubility | soluble (1 g in 20 ml of 95% ethanol) (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.5 |
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, sunscreens. Use in moderation and patch test for sensitivity.
Pharmaceutical
Topical analgesics, creams. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure good ventilation when using household products.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Phenethyl Salicylate is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Phenethyl Salicylate may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and should be avoided.
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 and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemicals; potential for adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but 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; potential for adverse effects. |
| 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
Phenethyl Salicylate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and household products, showing low toxicity.
| 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 (2018) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | FDA GRAS (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
Phenethyl Salicylate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and household products, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Phenethyl Salicylate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Phenethyl Salicylate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe for use in food and cosmetics.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Phenethyl Salicylate is permitted for use in cosmetics and household products 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
It may cause irritation in some individuals, so patch testing is recommended.
Consult your healthcare provider before using products containing this ingredient during pregnancy.
It is often found in fragrances, lotions, and sunscreens.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:39:00.946051Z | — | 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.