4.0
ISS Score
D — Higher caution — limited safety data
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance agent · flavoring agent · anti-inflammatory agent · antioxidant · pain relief agent
Beta-Caryophyllene
Also known as: BCP, Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene, 1,3,3-trimethyl-, Caryophyllene
Molecular Formula
C15H24
Molecular Weight
204.35 g/mol
Category
terpene
Bottom Line: Beta-Caryophyllene is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though individual reactions may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in low concentrations in cosmetic formulations
- Ingested as part of food products
- Applied topically without known allergies
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are taking medications that may interact
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to beta-caryophyllene
- You are using products with high concentrations
- You experience irritation or adverse reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C15H24 |
| Molecular Weight | 204.35 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 25.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 256.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.4 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations at low concentrations.
Food
Spices, herbal teas, flavoring agents. Considered safe for consumption in food products.
Pharmaceutical
Topical analgesics, anti-inflammatory creams. Used in formulations with therapeutic claims; consult a doctor.
Supplement
Capsules, oils, extracts. Use supplements with caution; consult healthcare providers.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Beta-Caryophyllene is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Oral ingestion of Beta-Caryophyllene is typically safe in moderate amounts, but high doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is generally low risk, but sensitive individuals may experience respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Very Low
Contact with eyes may cause mild irritation, but serious effects are rare.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children may experience heightened sensitivity to Beta-Caryophyllene.
- pregnant — Limited safety data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Most adults tolerate Beta-Caryophyllene without significant issues.
- elderly — Elderly individuals typically have a good tolerance.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate Beta-Caryophyllene well, with minimal adverse effects. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to the effects of Beta-Caryophyllene. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals generally tolerate Beta-Caryophyllene well. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Beta-Caryophyllene has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2018) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2018) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2018) |
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
Beta-Caryophyllene has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- No significant adverse effects reported in cosmetic use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Beta-Caryophyllene
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Beta-Caryophyllene
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food at typical levels.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of Beta-Caryophyllene
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Annex III entry 332; no maximum concentration is recorded in CosIng for this entry; check the entry's conditions of use Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED IN COSMETICS (ANNEX III, ENTRY 332)
Annex III entry 332; no maximum concentration is recorded in CosIng for this entry; check the entry's conditions of use
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, it is considered safe for topical application in cosmetics.
Yes, it is recognized as safe for consumption in food products.
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions; consult a doctor if unsure.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:26:44.268058Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
| Regulatory status correction | 2026-10-29T21:31:30.216061+00:00 | 4.0 | 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.