7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance · Flavoring Agent · Skin Conditioning Agent
Phenethyl Cinnamate
Molecular Formula
C17H16O2
Molecular Weight
252.31 g/mol
Category
Fragrance Ingredient
Bottom Line: Phenethyl Cinnamate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies to similar compounds
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other potential irritants
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to Phenethyl Cinnamate
- you are using products with high concentrations of fragrance
- you experience irritation or allergic reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C17H16O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 252.31 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 57.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 300.0°C |
| Solubility | moderately soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.6 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, creams. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used as a flavoring agent; ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Use in pharmaceuticals should follow regulatory guidelines.
Supplement
Dietary supplements with flavoring. Consult a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Phenethyl Cinnamate is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Oral ingestion may pose moderate risks, particularly at high doses or with prolonged use.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort; caution is advised.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity and risk of adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; consult healthcare provider.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with low risk.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated; monitor for reactions.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity in young 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 any adverse reactions. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Phenethyl Cinnamate is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low risk for most users.
| 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 irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization observed | 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
Phenethyl Cinnamate is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low risk for most users.
- Commonly used as a fragrance and flavoring agent.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Phenethyl Cinnamate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Phenethyl Cinnamate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Phenethyl Cinnamate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Phenethyl Cinnamate 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
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products containing Phenethyl Cinnamate 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 | 2026-04-13T07:38:05.737938Z | — | 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.