4.0
ISS Score
D — Higher caution — limited safety data
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance agent · flavoring agent · antimicrobial agent · insect repellent
Ocimene
Also known as: 3,7-Dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene, Ocimen, 1,3,3-Trimethyl-1-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane
Molecular Formula
C10H16
Molecular Weight
136.23 g/mol
Category
natural fragrance compound
Bottom Line: Ocimene is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- properly formulated in products
- not applied to broken skin
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you have allergies to similar compounds
✕ Avoid If:
- you experience irritation or allergic reactions
- you are using products for young children
- you have a known allergy to Ocimene
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H16 |
| Molecular Weight | 136.23 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.3 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, snacks. Typically safe in food applications at regulated levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Use with caution in sensitive formulations.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Generally safe in household products when used as intended.
Supplement
Herbal supplements, aromatic oils. Consult a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Ocimene is generally well-tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of ocimene may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to ocimene may lead to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well-tolerated with low risk.
- elderly — Generally well-tolerated with low risk.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for ocimene exposure. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on ocimene effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to ocimene exposure. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on ocimene transfer through breast milk. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals generally tolerate ocimene well. |
Toxicology Data
4 Endpoints
Ocimene is a natural compound with various applications, generally regarded as safe in cosmetics and food.
| 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 | Not a skin irritant | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Inhalation Toxicity | no data available | N/A | Insufficient data | None identified |
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
Ocimene is a natural compound with various applications, generally regarded as safe in cosmetics and food.
- Natural fragrance compound with diverse uses.
- Generally safe in cosmetics and food applications.
- Sensitivity may vary among individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ocimene
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Ocimene is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Ocimene
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Ocimene is considered safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Ingredients and Colors
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Ocimene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Ocimene is generally permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAGENERALLY RECOGNIZED AS SAFE
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED IN COSMETICS AND FOOD
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED IN COSMETICS AND FOOD
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED IN COSMETICS AND FOOD
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Ocimene is generally safe, but individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test first.
Consult your healthcare provider before using products containing Ocimene during pregnancy.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:23:38.926090Z | — | 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.