56.0
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 ingredient · solvent · flavoring agent
Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate
Molecular Formula
C12H16O2
Molecular Weight
192.25 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- applied to intact skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not ingested in large amounts
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you have allergies to fragrances
- using in combination with other strong fragrances
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to this ingredient
- you are using on broken skin
- you experience irritation or discomfort
- you are using in high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C12H16O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 192.25 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 30.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2.7 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, deodorants. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure good ventilation when using products containing this ingredient.
Supplement
Flavoring in dietary supplements. Use only as directed and consult a professional if unsure.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may cause respiratory irritation; use in well-ventilated areas.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; avoid direct exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of adverse reactions due to sensitivity.
- pregnant — Limited data; caution advised during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated but should be monitored.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to chemicals; potential for adverse reactions. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivities. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate is a fragrance ingredient with limited safety data, generally regarded as safe in low concentrations.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | >5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating | Human Patch Test | No irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | Not sensitizing | Human Clinical Study | No sensitization observed | EFSA Opinion (2017) |
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
Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate is a fragrance ingredient with limited safety data, generally regarded as safe in low concentrations.
- Used in cosmetics and food products.
- Limited evidence of irritation or sensitization.
- Generally safe when used as directed.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetics with restrictions on concentration.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavoring
Year: 2017
Conclusion: No safety concerns when used as a flavoring agent in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate is generally permitted in cosmetics and food with some restrictions in the EU and UK. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED WITH RESTRICTIONS
Max 1% in cosmetics
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED WITH RESTRICTIONS
Max 1% in cosmetics
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
It may cause irritation for some individuals; patch testing is recommended before use.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products containing this ingredient during pregnancy.
Possible side effects include skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-29T07:05:22.391860Z | — | 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.