6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
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Flavor enhancer · Fragrance component · Antioxidant · Preservative
Vanillin
Also known as: Vanilla aldehyde, Vanilla flavor, Vanillin acetate
Molecular Formula
C8H8O3
Molecular Weight
152.15 g/mol
Category
Flavoring agent
Bottom Line: Vanillin is generally considered safe for use in food and cosmetics, though some individuals may experience sensitivities. Always check product labels.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in low concentrations in food and cosmetics
- Not applied to broken skin or open wounds
- Used by individuals without known allergies to vanilla or related compounds
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have a history of skin sensitivities or allergies
- You are pregnant or nursing, consult a healthcare provider
- Using in combination with other potential allergens
✕ Avoid If:
- You are allergic to vanilla or related compounds
- You have a known sensitivity to flavoring agents
- Using in high concentrations without proper guidance
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H8O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 152.15 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 81.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 285.0°C |
| Solubility | freely soluble (in ethanol) |
| Density | 1.06 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 1.2 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations at low concentrations.
Food
Baked goods, ice creams, confectionery. Commonly used as a flavoring agent in food products.
Pharmaceutical
Syrups, tablets, capsules. Used for flavoring in some medicinal products.
Supplement
Protein powders, nutritional bars. May be included for flavoring in dietary supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Vanillin is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Oral ingestion of vanillin is typically safe in food applications, but high doses may cause gastrointestinal upset.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure to vanillin is generally low risk, though high concentrations may cause irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with vanillin may cause irritation; rinsing is recommended if contact occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children may have heightened sensitivity to vanillin.
- sensitive_skin — Individuals with sensitive skin may react adversely.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Most adults tolerate vanillin without issues.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe for breastfeeding mothers.
- elderly — Typically well tolerated by elderly individuals.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate vanillin well, with minimal adverse effects. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on high-dose effects during pregnancy; use caution. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to vanillin; monitor for reactions. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Vanillin is generally considered safe during breastfeeding. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals typically tolerate vanillin well, but sensitivity may vary. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from topical use. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Vanillin is widely used as a flavoring agent with a good safety profile, though some may experience allergic reactions.
| 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 significant irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization reactions observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
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
Vanillin is widely used as a flavoring agent with a good safety profile, though some may experience allergic reactions.
- Commonly used in food and cosmetics.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Vanillin
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Vanillin is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Vanillin
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Vanillin is safe for use in food at established limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Vanillin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Vanillin is permitted for use in food and cosmetics across major jurisdictions with no significant restrictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While vanillin is generally safe, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities.
Consult your healthcare provider before using products with vanillin during pregnancy.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if you experience a reaction.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T08:26:49.160440Z | — | 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.