66.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance · solvent · preservative · emollient
ACETIC ACID, PHENYLMETHYL ESTER
Category
ester
Bottom Line: Generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in concentrations below recommended limits
- Not applied to broken skin
- Used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- Using in combination with other active ingredients
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to esters
- Using on open wounds or irritated skin
- Ingesting in large quantities
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Food preservatives, flavoring agents. Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, oral medications. Use as directed; consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutraceuticals. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to acetic acid, phenylmethyl ester is generally low risk for skin contact.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion may pose moderate risks, particularly in large amounts or sensitive individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation risks are typically low to moderate, depending on concentration and exposure duration.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact can cause significant irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity may lead to increased risk of adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated by healthy adults.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivities.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated by healthy adults with no known sensitivities. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity in infants and children may increase risk of adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Acetic acid, phenylmethyl ester is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food, though sensitivity may occur.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (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
Acetic acid, phenylmethyl ester is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food, though sensitivity may occur.
- Widely used in cosmetics and food products.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments support its safety.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Acetic Acid, Phenylmethyl Ester
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Acetic Acid, Phenylmethyl Ester
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food applications.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status List
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Permitted for use in food products under specific conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Generally permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
Use within established limits
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics and food within limits
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics and food within limits
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Use within established limits
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally safe for skin use, though patch testing is recommended for sensitive individuals.
Typically safe for ingestion in food products, but avoid excessive amounts.
Some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions; consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T17:29:17.849284Z | — | 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.