9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · aroma compound
Alpha-Ionone
Also known as: Ionone, alpha, 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydronaphthalen-1-one, 4-(1-methylethenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one
Molecular Formula
C13H20O
Molecular Weight
192.30 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Alpha-Ionone is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetic formulations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not consumed in excessive amounts in food
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other fragrance products
- you have a history of respiratory issues
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to ionones or similar compounds
- you have a known fragrance sensitivity
- you are using products for infants or young children
- you are applying it near the eyes or mucous membranes
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C13H20O |
| Molecular Weight | 192.30 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 0.933°C |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 3 ml 70% alcohol; 1 ml in 10 ml 60% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, lotions, shampoos. Use in moderation to avoid potential skin irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe in food at regulated levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Use under guidance, especially in high doses.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Alpha-Ionone is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Alpha-Ionone may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; use caution.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of Alpha-Ionone is typically safe, but may cause respiratory irritation in high concentrations.
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 risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; caution advised.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of adverse reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe with caution advised.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to fragrances and potential irritants. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data; potential for transfer through breast milk. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Alpha-Ionone is widely used in fragrances and has been assessed for safety in various applications.
| 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 repeated insult patch test | No sensitization observed | 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
Alpha-Ionone is widely used in fragrances and has been assessed for safety in various applications.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food flavoring.
- Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Alpha-Ionone
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Alpha-Ionone is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Alpha-Ionone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products with restrictions on concentration.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Alpha-Ionone
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Alpha-Ionone is permitted in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with some restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Max concentration of 0.5% in cosmetics
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes, but individuals with sensitive skin should use caution.
Yes, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
In the EU, it is restricted to a maximum concentration of 0.5% in cosmetics.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:08:01.447568Z | — | 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.