7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · flavoring agent · preservative
Eugenyl Acetate
Also known as: Eugenyl Acetate, Eugenyl Acetate Ester, Acetic Acid, Eugenyl Ester
Molecular Formula
C12H14O3
Molecular Weight
206.24 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Eugenyl acetate is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- included in food products within regulatory limits
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other fragrance products
- you have a history of respiratory issues
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to eugenol or related compounds
- you have asthma or severe respiratory conditions
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using it in high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C12H14O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 206.24 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 30.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2.3 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe when used within food safety regulations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Monitor for allergic reactions when used in formulations.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure good ventilation when using products containing this ingredient.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Eugenyl acetate is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of eugenyl acetate may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may cause respiratory irritation; use in well-ventilated areas.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; avoid direct exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to skin and respiratory irritants.
- pregnant — Limited safety data during pregnancy.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with proper use.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but should be used cautiously.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for eugenyl acetate exposure. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to eugenyl acetate; risk of irritation is higher. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; use with caution. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Eugenyl acetate is assessed 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 | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2019) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | EFSA Opinion (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
Eugenyl acetate is assessed 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.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Eugenyl Acetate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Eugenyl acetate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 20
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Eugenyl acetate is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Eugenyl Acetate
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Eugenyl acetate is safe for use in cosmetic products under specified conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Annex III entry 368; 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 368)
Annex III entry 368; no maximum concentration is recorded in CosIng for this entry; check the entry's conditions of use
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Must comply with UK cosmetic regulations.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Must comply with Canadian regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eugenyl acetate may cause irritation in some individuals with sensitive skin; patch testing is recommended.
Yes, eugenyl acetate is generally recognized as safe for use in food flavoring within regulatory limits.
Potential side effects include skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:47:57.940547Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
| Regulatory status correction | 2026-10-29T21:31:40.559630+00:00 | 7.0 | 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.