5.0
ISS Score
C — Moderate caution — review exposure context
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance agent · flavoring agent · aroma enhancer
Damascenone
Also known as: 4-Hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 2,6,6-Trimethyl-4-hydroxycyclohex-2-en-1-one
Molecular Formula
C13H18O
Molecular Weight
190.28 g/mol
Category
fragrance compound
Bottom Line: Damascenone is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though individual sensitivities may occur.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not combined with known allergens
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other fragrance products
- you have a history of allergies
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to fragrance compounds
- you experience irritation or discomfort
- you have respiratory issues
- you are using on children without testing
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C13H18O |
| Molecular Weight | 190.28 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 274.0°C |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 10 ml 95% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3.2 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used as a flavoring agent; ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in formulations; monitor for allergic reactions.
Supplement
Aroma supplements. Limited use; consult healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to Damascenone is generally considered low risk for skin contact.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Damascenone may pose moderate risks, particularly in high doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low to moderate risk, depending on concentration.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Ocular exposure to Damascenone is generally low risk but may cause irritation.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children may experience heightened sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Typically well tolerated but should be used with caution.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate Damascenone well, with few reported adverse effects. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of Damascenone during pregnancy. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Insufficient Data | Insufficient data on the safety of Damascenone during breastfeeding. |
| elderly | Low to Moderate | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities to chemicals. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Damascenone is a fragrance compound with a generally favorable safety profile based on available assessments.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | Not established | — | Insufficient data for acute toxicity | — |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human clinical study | No sensitization reactions reported | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
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
Damascenone is a fragrance compound with a generally favorable safety profile based on available assessments.
- Widely used in cosmetics and food products.
- Low toxicity and irritation potential.
- Regulatory bodies support its safe use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Fragrance Ingredients
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Damascenone is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Fragrance Ingredients
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics with appropriate concentration limits.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavoring
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food flavoring applications.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Damascenone 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
Damascenone is primarily used as a fragrance compound in cosmetics and food products.
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use.
Consult your healthcare provider before using products containing Damascenone during pregnancy.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:04:50.969088Z | — | 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.