6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · solvent · aroma compound
Ethyl Linalool
Also known as: 3-ethyl-2,6-dimethyl-2,7-octadien-1-ol, Ethyl 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienoate
Molecular Formula
C11H20O
Molecular Weight
168.28 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Ethyl Linalool is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not ingested in large amounts
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you have allergies to fragrances
- you are using multiple scented products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to linalool
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using on children under 3
- you are using in high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C11H20O |
| Molecular Weight | 168.28 g/mol |
| Log P | 3.2 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but may cause irritation for some.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, confectionery. Used in food at low levels; generally recognized as safe.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in formulations; ensure proper concentration to avoid irritation.
Supplement
Aromatherapy oils. Generally safe when used as directed; avoid ingestion in large amounts.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Ethyl Linalool is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of Ethyl Linalool is typically safe in small amounts, but excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation of Ethyl Linalool is generally safe, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes may cause irritation; rinsing is recommended if exposure occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to potential irritants.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal side effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe with limited concerns.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate Ethyl Linalool well, with minimal adverse effects. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on the effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to the effects of Ethyl Linalool. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Generally considered safe, but limited data exists. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Ethyl Linalool is a fragrance compound with a generally favorable safety profile, though it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
| 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 | Not a skin irritant | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | may cause sensitization | Human sensitization study | Potential allergen for sensitive individuals | 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
Ethyl Linalool is a fragrance compound with a generally favorable safety profile, though it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food products.
- May cause skin irritation or allergies in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory bodies have assessed its safety for use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ethyl Linalool
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Ethyl Linalool is safe as used in cosmetics.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Ethyl Linalool
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Ethyl Linalool is safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 0.1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Ethyl Linalool
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Ethyl Linalool is considered safe for use in food at specified concentrations.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Ethyl Linalool is permitted for use in cosmetics and food 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
Ethyl Linalool may cause irritation for some individuals with sensitive skin; patch testing is recommended.
While generally safe, it's best to consult a healthcare provider before using products with Ethyl Linalool during pregnancy.
If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:38:26.524297Z | — | 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.