Myrcenyl Acetate — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™
6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
Confidence
(CSS)
fragrance ingredient · solvent · flavoring agent

Myrcenyl Acetate

CAS No.: 1118-39-4  ·  INCI: MYRCENYL ACETATE  ·  Updated: 2026-04-13
Molecular Formula
C12H20O2
Molecular Weight
196.29 g/mol
Category
fragrance

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

natural aroma sweet scent citrus notes CAS 1118-39-4
Quick Answer

✔ Generally Safe If:

  • used in low concentrations
  • not applied to broken skin
  • not ingested in large amounts

⚠ Use with Awareness If:

  • you have sensitive skin
  • you are pregnant or nursing
  • you are allergic to similar compounds

✕ Avoid If:

  • you have a known allergy to myrcenyl acetate
  • you are using products for children
  • you have respiratory issues
Chemical Properties
PropertyValue
Molecular FormulaC12H20O2
Molecular Weight196.29 g/mol
Log P3.6
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, shampoos. Use in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe in food applications at low levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Supplement
Herbal supplements. Use with caution; consult a doctor if unsure.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Myrcenyl Acetate is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Myrcenyl Acetate may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause 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 sensitivity to chemical exposures may lead to adverse effects.
  • pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
  • general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
  • elderly — Generally well tolerated; monitor for reactions.
Population-Specific Safety Data
PopulationRisk LevelConsiderations
general_adultLowAdults typically have a higher tolerance for Myrcenyl Acetate exposure.
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 generally tolerate Myrcenyl Acetate well.
sensitive_skinModerateIndividuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints

Myrcenyl acetate 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 (2015)
Skin Irritation non-irritating Human patch test No irritation observed SCCS Opinion (2017)
Sensitization not sensitizing Human sensitization study No sensitization reactions 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

Myrcenyl acetate is a fragrance compound with a favorable safety profile in cosmetics and food applications.

  • Widely used in cosmetic formulations.
  • Generally recognized as safe in food 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 Myrcenyl Acetate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Myrcenyl acetate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Myrcenyl Acetate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food flavoring at specified limits.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Myrcenyl Acetate
Year: 2017
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products with appropriate concentration limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global

Myrcenyl acetate is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with concentration limits. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.

United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Concentration limits apply
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Concentration limits apply
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use.
Yes, it is permitted in food flavoring at specified limits by regulatory bodies.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation persists.
Version History
Audit Trail
VersionDateISS ScoreWhat Changed
1.0.0 - Initial enrichment 2026-04-13T07:07:59.819861Z 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.