6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
preservative · antimicrobial agent · stabilizer
Coumarin
Also known as: Cumarin, Coumarinic Anhydride, 2-Hydroxycinnamic Acid Lactone
Trade Names: Tonka Bean Camphor · Tonquit Bean Camphor
Odor: Sweet, herbaceous, vanilla-like, hay-like, almond-like
Molecular Formula
C18H26O
Molecular Weight
258.4 g/mol
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though individual sensitivities may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in concentrations below recommended limits
- Not combined with known irritants
- Used in well-formulated products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- Using in conjunction with other active ingredients
- Pregnant or nursing women considering use
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to this ingredient
- Using on broken or irritated skin
- Ingesting in large quantities without guidance
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C18H26O |
| Molecular Weight | 258.4 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 54.5°C |
| Boiling Point | 326.0°C |
| Solubility | In water, 1.25 mg/L, temp not specified |
| Log P | 5.3 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, food preservatives. Generally recognized as safe when used in food applications.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, oral medications. Used safely in pharmaceuticals under regulated conditions.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal products. Consult a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure is generally well tolerated with minimal irritation reported.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Oral ingestion may pose moderate risks, particularly at higher doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but prolonged exposure should be avoided.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Very Low
Ocular exposure is generally very low risk, with minimal irritation expected.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk due to developing systems and lower body weight.
- pregnant — Altered sensitivities may affect safety during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Typically low risk but should be monitored for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for exposure compared to sensitive populations. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Pregnant individuals may have altered sensitivities to certain substances. |
| infants_children | High | Infants and children are more vulnerable to adverse effects due to their developing systems. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Substances can be transferred through breast milk; caution is advised. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity to certain ingredients. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Research indicates this ingredient is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food, with some individual variability.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | >5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2021) |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating | Rabbit - Dermal application | No irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2021) |
| Sensitization | Not sensitizing | Guinea pig - Maximization test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2021) |
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
Research indicates this ingredient is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food, with some individual variability.
- Widely used in cosmetics and food products
- Regulatory bodies have assessed its safety
- Individual reactions may vary
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ingredient
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Food Additives
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food applications within established limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Ingredients and Packaging
Year: 2022
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Overall, this ingredient is permitted for use across major jurisdictions with no significant restrictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should patch test first.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with this ingredient 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 | 2026-04-13T02:00:06.779414Z | — | 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.