68.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
flavoring agent · fragrance ingredient · antimicrobial agent · potential antioxidant
Anethole
Also known as: 4-methoxyphenylpropene, p-anethole, anise oil
Molecular Formula
C10H12O
Molecular Weight
148.20 g/mol
Category
natural flavoring agent
Bottom Line: Anethole is generally considered safe for use in food and cosmetics, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- consumed in moderation
- not combined with known allergens
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have a history of allergies
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other topical products
- you have a pre-existing skin condition
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to anise or fennel
- you have a known sensitivity to essential oils
- you are taking anticoagulant medications
- you are under 2 years of age
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H12O |
| Molecular Weight | 148.20 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 0.1507°C |
| Boiling Point | 234.0°C |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 2 ml 96% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3.3 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, skin creams, soaps. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations at low concentrations.
Food
Licorice candy, herbal teas, flavoring extracts. Safe for consumption in regulated amounts.
Pharmaceutical
Cough syrups, digestive aids. Used in formulations, but consult a healthcare provider.
Supplement
Herbal supplements, essential oils. Use with caution; consult a healthcare professional.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Anethole is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Oral ingestion of anethole is typically safe in food amounts, but high doses may pose risks.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure to anethole is generally low risk, though high concentrations may cause irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with anethole can cause irritation and discomfort, requiring prompt rinsing.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to skin and oral exposure.
- pregnant — Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution advised.
- sensitive_skin — Prone to irritation from topical application.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe in moderate amounts.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on high-dose effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to anethole; use with caution. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Generally considered safe in moderate amounts; monitor for reactions. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Anethole is a natural compound with flavoring properties, generally regarded as safe in regulated amounts.
| 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 | Rabbit - Dermal application | No irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Guinea Pig - Maximization test | No sensitization observed | 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
Anethole is a natural compound with flavoring properties, generally regarded as safe in regulated amounts.
- Used in food and cosmetic products.
- May cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Regulatory assessments support its safety.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Anethole
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Anethole is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Anethole
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Anethole is safe for use in food at specified limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Anethole is generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Anethole is permitted for use in food and cosmetics across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Limited to food use
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Anethole is generally safe for consumption in regulated amounts, though some may experience allergies.
Anethole is typically non-irritating, but individuals with sensitive skin should use caution.
Anethole is found in various products, including food flavorings and cosmetic fragrances.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-29T06:58:32.645275Z | — | 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.