6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · aroma compound · solvent · flavoring agent
Alpha-Methyl-Alpha-Ionone
Molecular Formula
C14H22O
Molecular Weight
206.32 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Alpha-Methyl-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 products
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not combined with known allergens
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in food products for the first time
- applying to areas with existing skin conditions
- exposed to sunlight after application
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have a known allergy to fragrance compounds
- using in high concentrations
- applying to mucous membranes
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C14H22O |
| Molecular Weight | 206.32 g/mol |
| Log P | 3.4 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe in food when used as directed.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Monitor for allergic reactions when used in formulations.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure good ventilation during use to avoid irritation.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Alpha-Methyl-Alpha-Ionone is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Alpha-Methyl-Alpha-Ionone may pose moderate risks, including potential toxicity at high doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemicals may lead to adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited safety data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Very High | Higher sensitivity to chemicals; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is warranted. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Alpha-Methyl-Alpha-Ionone is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity but potential for sensitization.
| 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 | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | potential sensitizer | Human sensitization study | May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals | 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
Alpha-Methyl-Alpha-Ionone is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity but potential for sensitization.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Potential skin sensitizer for some individuals.
- Regulatory bodies support its use in specified concentrations.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Alpha-Methyl-Alpha-Ionone
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Alpha-Methyl-Alpha-Ionone
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe in cosmetics with appropriate usage.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavoring
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Alpha-Methyl-Alpha-Ionone is permitted in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with specific guidelines. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics must comply with SCCS recommendations.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Must comply with UK cosmetic regulations.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, it may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Patch testing is recommended.
It's advisable to avoid use during pregnancy due to limited safety data.
Possible side effects include skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:09:07.198400Z | — | 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.