7.0
ISS Score
B — Moderate hazard for topical/cosmetic use - use with caution
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance · Flavoring agent · Solvent · Antimicrobial agent
Limonene
Also known as: D-limonene, Limonene (D-), Limonene (L-)
Molecular Formula
C10H16
Molecular Weight
136.23 g/mol
Category
Terpene
Bottom Line: Limonene is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in low concentrations in cosmetics and food products.
- Not applied to broken skin or open wounds.
- Used in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation issues.
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have a history of skin allergies or sensitivities.
- Using products containing limonene around pets, as some may be sensitive.
- You are pregnant or nursing, consult a healthcare provider.
✕ Avoid If:
- You are allergic to citrus fruits or limonene itself.
- You have asthma or respiratory issues that may be aggravated.
- Using in high concentrations without proper dilution.
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H16 |
| Molecular Weight | 136.23 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -74.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 178.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3.4 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Food
Pharmaceutical
Household
Supplement
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Limonene is generally well tolerated on the skin but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of limonene is typically safe in food but can cause gastrointestinal upset in some cases.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation of limonene is generally safe in well-ventilated areas, though high concentrations may cause irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes can cause irritation; rinsing is recommended if exposure occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children may be more susceptible to irritation and allergic reactions.
- sensitive_skin — Individuals with sensitive skin are at higher risk of irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Most adults tolerate limonene well with minimal side effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe for breastfeeding mothers when used in moderation.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Most adults tolerate limonene well, but some may experience skin irritation. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on the effects of limonene during pregnancy; use with caution. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to limonene; potential for skin irritation exists. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited data available; generally considered safe in moderation. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions. |
Toxicology Data
8 Endpoints
Limonene is widely used in various products, with safety assessments indicating low toxicity but potential for skin irritation.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 4400 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage (OECD 401/423) | Low toxicity | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1459/11, RIFM |
| LD50 Dermal | 5000 mg/kg | Rabbit - Dermal application (OECD 402) | Low toxicity | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1459/11, RIFM |
| Skin Irritation | mild | Draize test (OECD 404) | mild irritation potential | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1459/11, RIFM |
| Eye Irritation | moderate | Draize test (OECD 405) | moderate irritation potential | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1459/11, RIFM |
| Skin Sensitization | Sensitizer | Guinea pig maximization test (OECD 406) | Sensitization risk | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1459/11, RIFM |
| Genotoxicity (Ames Test) | Negative | Bacterial reverse mutation assay (OECD 471) | Not mutagenic | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1459/11, RIFM |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Negative | Two-generation study (OECD 416) | No reproductive effects | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1459/11, RIFM |
| Carcinogenicity | IARC Group 3 | Long-term carcinogenicity studies (OECD 451/453) | Not classifiable as carcinogenic | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1459/11, RIFM |
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
Limonene is widely used in various products, with safety assessments indicating low toxicity but potential for skin irritation.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory reviews support its use in cosmetics and food.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Limonene
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Limonene is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Limonene
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Limonene is safe for use in cosmetics, with restrictions on concentration.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Limonene
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Limonene is safe for use in food at specified limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Limonene is generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Must be labeled if >0.001% (leave-on) or >0.01% (rinse-off) Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionFRAGRANCE ALLERGEN - MANDATORY LABELING REQUIRED
Must be labeled if >0.001% (leave-on) or >0.01% (rinse-off)
United States
FDAPERMITTED; GRAS FOR FOOD FLAVORING
None specified
Frequently Asked Questions
Limonene is generally safe, but some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions.
Yes, limonene is permitted as a flavoring agent in food, but should be used within regulatory limits.
If you experience a reaction, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-02-12T03:53:38.776000Z | — | 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.