7.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance · flavoring agent · solvent · emollient
Geranyl Acetate
Also known as: 3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienoic acid 2-acetate, Geranyl acetate
Molecular Formula
C12H22O2
Molecular Weight
198.31 g/mol
Category
fragrance ingredient
Bottom Line: Geranyl acetate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- not combined with known allergens
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other fragrance products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to geranyl compounds
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using on children under 3 years
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C12H22O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 198.31 g/mol |
| Solubility | soluble in alcohol and oils |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, lotions, soaps. Use in moderation to avoid potential skin irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Consult a healthcare provider for use in sensitive populations.
Supplement
Herbal supplements. Use with caution; consult a healthcare professional.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Geranyl acetate is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of geranyl acetate may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort, requiring immediate rinsing.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to skin and respiratory irritants.
- pregnant — Limited safety data during pregnancy.
- sensitive_skin — Prone to irritation from topical applications.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally low risk, but caution is advised.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate geranyl acetate well, with minimal adverse effects. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of geranyl acetate during pregnancy. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to the effects of geranyl acetate. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is advised. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Geranyl acetate is a fragrance ingredient with a favorable safety profile based on available assessments.
| 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 | 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 acetate is a fragrance ingredient with a favorable safety profile based on available assessments.
- Widely used in cosmetics and food products.
- Generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Geranyl Acetate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Geranyl acetate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Geranyl Acetate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavoring
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Geranyl acetate is safe for use as a flavoring substance.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Geranyl acetate is 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
Geranyl acetate may cause irritation in sensitive individuals; patch testing is recommended.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products containing geranyl acetate during pregnancy.
Potential side effects include skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:57:46.065586Z | — | 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.