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 agent · solvent · antimicrobial agent · flavoring agent
BETA-PINENE
Also known as: β-Pinene, Beta-Pinene
Molecular Weight
136.24 g/mol
Category
terpene
Bottom Line: Beta-pinene is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- consumed as part of food flavoring
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other skin irritants
- you have respiratory conditions
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to pine or related compounds
- you have a history of skin reactions
- you are using it in high concentrations
- you are applying it to mucous membranes
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 136.24 g/mol |
| Solubility | soluble in organic solvents, insoluble in water |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, skin creams, shampoos. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, herbal teas. Generally safe when used as a food flavoring.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, cough syrups. Consult a healthcare provider for medicinal use.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Ensure proper ventilation when using household products.
Supplement
Essential oils, herbal supplements. Use with caution; consult a healthcare professional.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Beta-pinene is generally well tolerated on the skin but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of beta-pinene can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of beta-pinene is typically safe, but high concentrations may irritate respiratory pathways.
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 risk of irritation and adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited safety data during pregnancy.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of skin irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but should be used cautiously.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of beta-pinene during pregnancy. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to essential oils and potential for irritation. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Beta-pinene is a terpene with various applications, generally regarded as safe in low concentrations.
| 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 | No irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
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
Beta-pinene is a terpene with various applications, generally regarded as safe in low concentrations.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food products.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments support its safe use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Beta-Pinene
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Beta-pinene is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Beta-Pinene
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Beta-pinene is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Beta-Pinene Regulatory Status
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Beta-pinene is generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Beta-pinene is generally 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
Beta-pinene is generally safe for skin use in low concentrations, but sensitivity can occur.
Yes, beta-pinene is typically safe when used as a food flavoring agent.
If you experience a reaction, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T18:19:36.673700Z | — | 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.