7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · preservative · pH adjuster · flavoring agent
Phenylacetic Acid
Also known as: Phenylacetic acid, 2-Phenylacetic acid, Phenylacetate
Molecular Formula
C8H8O2
Molecular Weight
136.15 g/mol
Category
organic acid
Bottom Line: Phenylacetic acid is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- applied to intact skin
- not combined with known irritants
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other active ingredients
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to phenylacetic acid
- you experience irritation or discomfort
- you are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H8O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 136.15 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 76.5°C |
| Boiling Point | 265.5°C |
| Solubility | Soluble at room temperature (in ethanol) |
| Density | 1.09 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 1.4 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, serums, cleansers. Use in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, preservatives. Generally safe in food at regulated levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical medications, prescription creams. Consult a healthcare provider for use.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutraceuticals. Use under guidance of a healthcare professional.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Phenylacetic Acid is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Phenylacetic Acid can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and should be approached with caution.
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 and potential damage; avoid direct exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with proper use.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated but monitor for reactions.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for Phenylacetic Acid exposure. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Phenylacetic acid has been assessed for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
| 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 | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
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
Phenylacetic acid has been assessed for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- 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 Phenylacetic Acid
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Phenylacetic Acid
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a food additive.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted for use in food applications.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Phenylacetic acid is generally 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
Generally, it is safe for skin use, but sensitive individuals should perform a patch test first.
Yes, it is permitted in food products, but always check for individual sensitivities.
Potential side effects include skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:41:59.476314Z | — | 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.