8.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · masking agent · odorant · flavoring agent
Methyl Ionones
Also known as: Ionone, Methyl, Methyl Ionone
Molecular Formula
C14H22O
Molecular Weight
206.32 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Methyl Ionones are generally considered safe in cosmetics and household products, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- using on children
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to fragrances
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
- using in high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C14H22O |
| Molecular Weight | 206.32 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 76.0°C |
| Log P | 3.3 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Use in food is regulated; follow guidelines.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use in pharmaceuticals should be monitored for reactions.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Ensure good ventilation when using household products.
Supplement
Flavoring in dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider for supplement use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Methyl Ionones are generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Methyl Ionones may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with Methyl Ionones can cause significant irritation; immediate rinsing is recommended.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to skin and respiratory irritation.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of adverse reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe with monitoring.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally healthy adults can tolerate Methyl Ionones with minimal risk. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of Methyl Ionones during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to Methyl Ionones, increasing the risk of irritation. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| sensitive_skin | Very High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience severe irritation from Methyl Ionones. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Methyl Ionones are commonly used in fragrances and have 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 significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | low sensitization potential | Human sensitization study | Low concern for sensitization | EFSA Opinion (2018) |
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
Methyl Ionones are commonly used in fragrances and have been assessed for safety in various applications.
- Widely used in cosmetic and household products.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Methyl Ionones
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Methyl Ionones
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetics with restrictions.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavoring
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Safe for use in food flavoring at specified limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Methyl Ionones are permitted in cosmetics and food, with some restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Limited use in cosmetics
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Methyl Ionones are primarily used as fragrance components in cosmetics and household products.
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should use caution and perform patch tests.
Yes, they are permitted as flavoring agents in food, subject to regulatory limits.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:55:36.338461Z | — | 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.