Neryl Acetate — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™
9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
Confidence
(CSS)
fragrance · solvent · flavoring agent

Neryl Acetate

CAS No.: 141-12-8  ·  INCI: NERYL ACETATE  ·  Updated: 2026-04-13
Also known as: Neryl Acetate, Neryl Ethanoate
Molecular Formula
C12H20O2
Molecular Weight
196.29 g/mol
Category
fragrance ingredient

Bottom Line: Neryl acetate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.

fruity floral sweet CAS 141-12-8
Quick Answer

✔ Generally Safe If:

  • used in low concentrations
  • not applied to broken skin
  • not used by individuals with known allergies to similar compounds

⚠ Use with Awareness If:

  • you have sensitive skin or allergies
  • you are pregnant or nursing
  • you are using other topical products

✕ Avoid If:

  • you have a known allergy to neryl acetate
  • you are using it in high concentrations
  • you experience irritation or adverse reactions
Chemical Properties
PropertyValue
Molecular FormulaC12H20O2
Molecular Weight196.29 g/mol
Solubility1 ml in 1 ml 95% alcohol (in ethanol)
Log P3.5
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used as a flavoring; ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use with caution in sensitive formulations.
Supplement
Aromatic supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Neryl acetate is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of neryl acetate may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure to neryl acetate is typically low risk, though high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes may cause irritation; caution is advised to prevent exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
  • infants_children — Higher sensitivity to irritants; use with caution.
  • sensitive_skin — Prone to irritation; avoid use if irritation occurs.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
  • general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
  • breastfeeding — Generally safe in moderation.
Population-Specific Safety Data
PopulationRisk LevelConsiderations
general_adultLowGenerally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary.
pregnantLow to ModerateLimited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised.
infants_childrenModerateChildren may be more sensitive to irritants; use with care.
breastfeedingLowLimited data available; generally considered safe in moderation.
sensitive_skinHighIndividuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints

Neryl acetate is a fragrance compound with a favorable safety profile in cosmetics and food applications.

EndpointValueTest MethodInterpretationSource
LD50 Oral 18600 mg/kg Rat - Oral gavage Low acute toxicity CIR Safety Assessment (2012)
Skin Irritation non-irritating Human patch test No irritation observed SCCS Opinion (2015)
Sensitization may cause sensitization Human sensitization study Moderate 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

Neryl acetate is a fragrance compound with a favorable safety profile in cosmetics and food applications.

  • Low toxicity in animal studies.
  • Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
  • May cause skin sensitization in some individuals.

Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.

CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Neryl Acetate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Neryl acetate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Neryl Acetate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Neryl acetate is safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavoring
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Neryl acetate is safe for use as a flavoring substance.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global

Neryl acetate is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.

US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Neryl acetate may cause irritation in sensitive individuals; patch testing is advised.
Yes, neryl acetate is generally recognized as safe for use in food flavoring.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
VersionDateISS ScoreWhat Changed
1.0.0 - Initial enrichment 2026-04-13T07:10:20.772089Z 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.