5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™
7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
Confidence
(CSS)
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · aromatic compound

5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal

CAS No.: 21834-92-4  ·  INCI: 5-METHYL-2-PHENYL-2-HEXENAL  ·  Updated: 2026-04-13
Molecular Formula
C13H16O
Molecular Weight
188.26 g/mol
Category
fragrance

Bottom Line: 5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though individual sensitivities may occur.

aromatic natural scent flavor enhancer CAS 21834-92-4
Quick Answer

✔ Generally Safe If:

  • used in low concentrations in cosmetic formulations
  • included in food products within regulatory limits
  • not applied to broken skin or mucous membranes

⚠ Use with Awareness If:

  • you have sensitive skin or allergies
  • you are pregnant or nursing
  • you are using other potentially irritating substances

✕ Avoid If:

  • you have a known allergy to fragrance compounds
  • you experience irritation or adverse reactions
  • you are using it in high concentrations without testing
Chemical Properties
PropertyValue
Molecular FormulaC13H16O
Molecular Weight188.26 g/mol
SolubilitySoluble (in ethanol)
Log P3.4
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, lotions, shampoos. Use in moderation to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, confectionery. Generally safe when used within food safety regulations.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal products. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to 5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal is generally well tolerated.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion may pose moderate risks, particularly in large amounts.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but should be minimized.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact can cause irritation; caution is advised.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
  • infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures.
  • pregnant — Limited safety data during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
  • general_adult — Typically well tolerated with proper use.
  • elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivities.
Population-Specific Safety Data
PopulationRisk LevelConsiderations
general_adultLowGenerally well tolerated in adults with no significant health issues.
pregnantModerateLimited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised.
infants_childrenHighChildren may be more sensitive to chemical exposures.
breastfeedingLow to ModerateLimited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution.
elderlyLowGenerally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary.
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints

5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.

EndpointValueTest MethodInterpretationSource
LD50 Oral 5000 mg/kg Rat - Oral gavage Low acute toxicity CIR Safety Assessment (2015)
Skin Irritation non-irritating Human patch test Not a skin irritant SCCS Opinion (2017)
Sensitization not sensitizing Human repeated insult patch test No sensitization observed 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

5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.

  • Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
  • Potential skin irritant for sensitive individuals.
  • Regulatory assessments support safe use in specified applications.

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

CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Fragrance Ingredients
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Generally safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavouring
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food flavoring within established limits.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Fragrance Ingredients
Year: 2017
Conclusion: Safety of fragrance ingredients is acceptable under certain conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global

5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. 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 perform a patch test before use.
Consult your healthcare provider before using products with this ingredient during pregnancy.
Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions; discontinue use if this occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
VersionDateISS ScoreWhat Changed
1.0.0 - Initial enrichment 2026-04-13T03:45:11.170041Z 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.
5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™ | HumanSafe™