66.0
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)
—
Fragrance ingredient · Solvent · Flavoring agent · Preservative
BENZALDEHYDE, 3,4-DIMETHOXY-
Category
Fragrance
Bottom Line: Benzaldehyde, 3,4-dimethoxy- is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- used in food flavoring within regulatory limits
- not applied to broken skin
- not ingested in large amounts
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other skin irritants
- you are consuming it in large quantities
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to benzaldehyde
- you are using products for children
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
- you are using it in high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, confectionery. Used in food flavoring within safe limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use with caution in sensitive formulations.
Supplement
Flavoring in dietary supplements. Generally safe in small amounts.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Benzaldehyde, 3,4-dimethoxy- is generally safe for skin contact in low concentrations.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of benzaldehyde, 3,4-dimethoxy- may cause gastrointestinal irritation.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may lead to respiratory irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Direct eye contact with benzaldehyde, 3,4-dimethoxy- can cause significant irritation.
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 — Generally well tolerated with low risk.
- elderly — Typically low risk but monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity to irritants. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Benzaldehyde, 3,4-dimethoxy- is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing 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 | Not a skin irritant | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | no sensitization observed | Human clinical study | Low sensitization potential | EFSA Opinion (2015) |
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
Benzaldehyde, 3,4-dimethoxy- is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Benzaldehyde
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Benzaldehyde
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a flavoring substance.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Benzaldehyde in Cosmetics
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics with specified limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Benzaldehyde, 3,4-dimethoxy- 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
Use in cosmetics limited to 0.1%
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally safe for skin use in low concentrations, though some may experience irritation.
Yes, it is considered safe in food flavoring within regulatory limits.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation persists.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T17:35:34.747567Z | — | 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.