7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · solvent · preservative
Heliotropine
Also known as: Piperonal, Heliotropin
Molecular Formula
C8H6O3
Molecular Weight
150.13 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Heliotropine is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- applied to intact skin
- consumed in food products within regulatory limits
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other fragrance products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to heliotropine
- you experience irritation after use
- you are using on broken or damaged skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H6O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 150.13 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 37.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 263.0°C |
| Solubility | freely soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 1.1 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, confectionery. Used in food within regulated limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use with caution in sensitive populations.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Heliotropine is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of heliotropine can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may cause respiratory irritation; use in well-ventilated areas.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; avoid direct exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- pregnant — Limited safety data during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with proper use.
- elderly — Typically well tolerated but should be monitored.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for heliotropine exposure. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of heliotropine during pregnancy. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to the effects of heliotropine. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Heliotropine is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
| 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 sensitization study | No sensitization reactions | EFSA Opinion (2014) |
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
Heliotropine is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- Limited skin irritation reported.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Heliotropine
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Heliotropine is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Heliotropine
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Heliotropine is safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Heliotropine
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Heliotropine is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Heliotropine 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
Heliotropine is generally safe, but individuals with sensitive skin should test for reactions.
Yes, heliotropine is permitted as a flavoring agent in food within regulated limits.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:03:21.305058Z | — | 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.