4.0
ISS Score
D — Higher caution — limited safety data
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance ingredient · Flavoring agent · Solvent · Potential insect repellent
Methyl Eugenol
Also known as: 4-Allyl-1,2-dimethoxybenzene, 1-Methoxy-4-(prop-2-en-1-yl)benzene, Eugenol methyl ether
Molecular Formula
C11H14O2
Molecular Weight
178.23 g/mol
Category
Fragrance
Bottom Line: Methyl Eugenol is generally considered safe in low concentrations, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetic products
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not ingested in food products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have a history of skin allergies
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other fragrance products
- you have respiratory issues
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to eugenol or related compounds
- you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema
- you are using products for children
- you are exposed to high concentrations in occupational settings
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C11H14O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 178.23 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -4.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 254.7°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2.5 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, soaps. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe in food, but monitor for allergies.
Pharmaceutical
Topical analgesics, ointments. Use cautiously; potential for skin irritation.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure good ventilation when using products.
Supplement
Herbal supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Methyl Eugenol is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Methyl Eugenol can pose health risks, including potential toxicity at high doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may lead to respiratory irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with Methyl Eugenol can cause significant irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher susceptibility to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with proper use.
- sensitive_skin — May tolerate with caution and patch testing.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Very High | Children may be more susceptible to adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Moderate | Potential for transfer through breast milk; limited data available. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Methyl Eugenol is a fragrance compound with potential allergenic properties. Regulatory assessments indicate varying safety profiles.
| 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 | Rabbit - Dermal application | Not a skin irritant | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | positive in sensitization tests | Guinea pig - Maximization test | Potential sensitizer | EFSA Opinion (2016) |
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
Methyl Eugenol is a fragrance compound with potential allergenic properties. Regulatory assessments indicate varying safety profiles.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food flavoring.
- Potential allergen for sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory reviews suggest cautious use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Methyl Eugenol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Methyl Eugenol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Methyl Eugenol
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Methyl Eugenol should be restricted in cosmetic products due to sensitization potential.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Methyl Eugenol
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Methyl Eugenol is acceptable as a flavoring substance in food under certain conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Methyl Eugenol is permitted in the US and Canada, but restricted in the EU and UK due to sensitization concerns. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Restricted in cosmetics due to sensitization potential.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentRESTRICTED
Similar to EU regulations.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Methyl Eugenol is a fragrance compound used in cosmetics and food flavoring.
Generally safe in low concentrations, but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Yes, it is permitted in food flavoring under specific conditions, but monitor for allergies.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:51:14.631146Z | — | 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.