6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
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Flavor enhancer · Fragrance ingredient · Food additive · Aroma compound
Ethyl Vanillin
Also known as: Ethyl Vanillin, Vanillin Ethyl Ether, Ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoate
Molecular Formula
C9H10O3
Molecular Weight
166.17 g/mol
Category
Flavoring Agent
Bottom Line: Ethyl Vanillin is generally considered safe for use in food and cosmetics, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-formulated products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have a known sensitivity to vanillin
- using in combination with other fragrances
- applying to sensitive skin areas
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to vanillin or related compounds
- you have a history of skin irritation
- using in high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C9H10O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 166.17 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 76.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 285.0°C |
| Solubility | very soluble (1g in 2ml) (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 1.6 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations when used appropriately.
Food
Baked goods, confectionery, beverages. Considered safe for food use within established limits.
Pharmaceutical
Syrups, tablets. Used as a flavoring agent; safety depends on formulation.
Supplement
Protein powders, nutritional bars. Safe in supplements when used in moderation.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Ethyl Vanillin is generally well tolerated on skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of Ethyl Vanillin is typically safe in food, but excessive amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure to Ethyl Vanillin is generally low risk, but high concentrations may cause irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Contact with eyes may cause mild irritation, but serious effects are rare.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children may have heightened sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- sensitive_skin — Individuals with sensitive skin may react adversely.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated by adults with minimal risk.
- elderly — Typically low risk, but individual sensitivities may vary.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for Ethyl Vanillin exposure. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on long-term effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Minimal risk expected, but limited data on transfer through milk. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Ethyl Vanillin is widely used as a flavoring agent with a favorable safety profile based on various 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 | Not irritating | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization observed | 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
Ethyl Vanillin is widely used as a flavoring agent with a favorable safety profile based on various assessments.
- Generally recognized as safe in food and cosmetics.
- Low toxicity levels reported in studies.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ethyl Vanillin
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Ethyl Vanillin is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Ethyl Vanillin
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Ethyl Vanillin is safe for use in food at specified limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Ethyl Vanillin is permitted as a flavoring agent in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Ethyl Vanillin is permitted for use in food and cosmetics 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
Ethyl Vanillin is generally safe, but those with sensitive skin should test for reactions.
Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Ethyl Vanillin.
Ethyl Vanillin is used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals primarily for flavoring.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:44:46.073732Z | — | 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.