Geranyl Formate — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™
9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
Confidence
(CSS)
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · solvent · aroma compound

Geranyl Formate

CAS No.: 105-86-2  ·  INCI: GERANYL FORMATE  ·  Updated: 2026-04-13
Molecular Formula
C11H18O2
Molecular Weight
182.26 g/mol
Category
fragrance

Bottom Line: Geranyl Formate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.

natural aroma sweet scent floral notes food-safe CAS 105-86-2
Quick Answer

✔ Generally Safe If:

  • used in low concentrations
  • not applied to broken skin
  • used in well-ventilated areas
  • not combined with known allergens

⚠ Use with Awareness If:

  • you have sensitive skin
  • you are pregnant or nursing
  • you are using other fragrances
  • you have a history of allergies

✕ Avoid If:

  • you are allergic to geranyl compounds
  • you have asthma or respiratory issues
  • you are using on children under 3
  • you experience irritation upon use
Chemical Properties
PropertyValue
Molecular FormulaC11H18O2
Molecular Weight182.26 g/mol
Solubility1 ml in 3 ml 80% alcohol (in ethanol)
Log P3.5
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. 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 creams, ointments. Use in pharmaceuticals is limited; consult a healthcare provider.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Safe in household products; avoid direct inhalation.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Limited use in supplements; consult a healthcare professional.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Geranyl Formate is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Geranyl Formate may cause gastrointestinal irritation in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause mild respiratory irritation.
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 sensitivity to chemical exposures.
  • pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
  • general_adult — Typically well tolerated with low risk.
  • elderly — Generally low risk but monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
PopulationRisk LevelConsiderations
general_adultLowAdults typically have a higher tolerance for cosmetic ingredients.
pregnantModerateLimited data on the effects during pregnancy; caution is advised.
infants_childrenHighChildren may be more sensitive to chemical exposures.
breastfeedingLow to ModerateLimited data on transfer through breast milk; use with caution.
elderlyLowElderly individuals may have varying sensitivities.
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints

Geranyl Formate is a fragrance compound with a favorable safety profile in cosmetics and food applications.

EndpointValueTest MethodInterpretationSource
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 (2015)
Sensitization not sensitizing Human repeated insult patch test No sensitization observed 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

Geranyl Formate is a fragrance compound with a favorable safety profile in cosmetics and food applications.

  • Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
  • May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
  • Regulatory bodies support its use in various products.

Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.

CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Geranyl Formate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Geranyl Formate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavoring
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Safe for use as a flavoring agent in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global

Geranyl Formate is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. 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
Geranyl Formate may cause irritation in sensitive individuals; patch testing is recommended.
Yes, it is permitted as a flavoring agent in food, but should be used within safety limits.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
VersionDateISS ScoreWhat Changed
1.0.0 - Initial enrichment 2026-04-13T05:58:58.293658Z 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.
Geranyl Formate — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™ | HumanSafe™