7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
preservative · antimicrobial agent · fragrance component
Coumarin
Also known as: Cumarin, 2-Hydroxycinnamic acid delta-lactone, Toncarine
Trade Names: Coumarinic aldehyde · Cumarin
Odor: Sweet, hay-like, vanilla, almond, tobacco
Molecular Formula
C11H16O
Molecular Weight
164.24 g/mol
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Generally regarded as safe when used appropriately, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in recommended concentrations
- Not applied to broken skin
- Used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- Using in combination with other active ingredients
- Pregnant or nursing
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to this ingredient
- Using on open wounds or irritated skin
- Using in high concentrations without guidance
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C11H16O |
| Molecular Weight | 164.24 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 29.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2.1 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, shampoos. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, food preservatives. Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, oral medications. Use as directed; consult a physician for concerns.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure is generally safe with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Oral ingestion may pose moderate risks, particularly in high doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but may cause irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Ocular exposure can lead to significant irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk due to developing systems and potential for adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Caution advised due to limited safety data during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Generally safe but should be monitored for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults with no significant health issues. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Very High | Higher sensitivity in infants and children; 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. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Research indicates this ingredient is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food, though individual reactions may vary.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2021) |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | EFSA Opinion (2020) |
| Sensitization | Not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | CIR Safety Assessment (2021) |
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
Research indicates this ingredient is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food, though individual reactions may vary.
- Widely used in cosmetics and food products.
- Safety assessments support its use.
- Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ingredient
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Food Additives
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food applications.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of Ingredient
Year: 2022
Conclusion: Permitted for use in food and cosmetics.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
This ingredient is generally permitted across major jurisdictions with no significant restrictions. 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
While generally safe, some individuals may experience sensitivities. Patch testing is recommended.
Consult a healthcare provider before using any products with this ingredient during pregnancy.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T01:54:58.113130Z | — | 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.