6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Flavoring agent · Fragrance component · Cooling agent · Solvent · Antimicrobial agent
Menthone
Also known as: Menthone, 1-Menthone, 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanone
Molecular Formula
C10H18O
Molecular Weight
154.25 g/mol
Category
Flavoring Agent
Bottom Line: Menthone is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though individual sensitivities may occur.
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 topical products
- you have a history of allergies
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to mint or menthol
- you have respiratory issues
- you are using on children under 2
- you experience irritation upon use
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H18O |
| Molecular Weight | 154.25 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -6.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 207.0°C |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 3 ml of 70% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2.7 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Use in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Food
Candies, beverages, flavoring extracts. Generally safe in food applications at low levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Supplement
Herbal supplements, essential oils. Use with caution; consult a professional.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Menthone is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Oral ingestion of menthone is typically safe in food applications, but excessive amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation of menthone is generally safe in low concentrations, but high levels may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes may cause irritation; care should be taken to avoid ocular exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- pregnant — Limited data on the effects of menthone during pregnancy.
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity may lead to adverse reactions.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally considered safe with limited concerns.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; use with caution. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to menthone; use sparingly. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Generally considered safe, but limited data available. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Menthone is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity but potential for irritation.
| 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 (2018) |
| Sensitization | no sensitization observed | Human clinical study | Low sensitization potential | EFSA Opinion (2015) |
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
Menthone is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity but potential for irritation.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Potential skin irritant for sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory reviews support safe use in specified concentrations.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Menthone
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Menthone is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Menthone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Menthone is safe for use in food flavoring at specified limits.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Menthone
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Menthone is acceptable for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Menthone is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Menthone is generally safe, but individuals with sensitive skin should use caution.
Yes, menthone is permitted in food flavoring at specified concentrations.
If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:34:19.596978Z | — | 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.