7.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Flavoring agent · Fragrance ingredient · Solvent · Preservative · Antimicrobial agent
Anise Alcohol
Also known as: Anethole, 4-Methoxy-1-propenylbenzene
Molecular Formula
C8H10O2
Molecular Weight
138.16 g/mol
Category
Flavoring Agent
Bottom Line: Anise alcohol 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
- not ingested in large amounts
- from reputable sources
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have allergies to related plants
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have a history of skin sensitivities
- you are using other medications
✕ Avoid If:
- you have known allergies to anise or similar compounds
- you are under 2 years old
- you experience irritation after use
- you are taking anticoagulant medications
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H10O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 138.16 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 24.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 259.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible above 20� (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 1.1 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, soaps. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test first.
Food
Liqueurs, baked goods, confectionery. Safe in food when used in moderation.
Pharmaceutical
Cough syrups, digestive aids. Used in some medicinal products; consult a doctor.
Supplement
Herbal teas, digestive supplements. Use with caution; consult a healthcare provider.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Anise alcohol is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of anise alcohol can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of anise alcohol vapors may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of adverse reactions due to sensitivity.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; caution advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal side effects.
- sensitive_skin — Moderate risk; patch testing recommended.
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; use with caution. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to substances; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data; potential for transfer through milk. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Anise alcohol is used in various applications, with moderate safety assessments indicating 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 irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human clinical study | No sensitization reactions | 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
Anise alcohol is used in various applications, with moderate safety assessments indicating low toxicity.
- Generally recognized as safe in food and cosmetics.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Limited data on long-term effects.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Anise Alcohol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Anise Alcohol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food at specified limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Anise alcohol is permitted for use in food and cosmetics 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, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities.
Yes, but ensure to use it in low concentrations and perform a patch test.
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 | 2026-04-13T04:17:23.026548Z | — | 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.