9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · flavoring agent
Cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate
Molecular Formula
C13H16O2
Molecular Weight
204.26 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you have allergies to fragrances
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to benzoates
- you are using products for infants
- you experience irritation upon use
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C13H16O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 204.26 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 105.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible at room temperature (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations at recommended levels.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used as a flavoring agent; ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use with caution in sensitive formulations.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Safe for use in household products; avoid direct skin contact.
Supplement
Flavoring for supplements. Consult with a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate is generally well tolerated on skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but high concentrations may cause irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Eye contact may cause mild irritation; rinse with water if contact occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures may lead to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated in healthy adults.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally healthy adults can tolerate this ingredient without issues. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
| 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 significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | low sensitization potential | Human sensitization study | Low risk of sensitization | 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
Cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations.
- Potential for skin sensitization in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Fragrance Ingredients
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Fragrance Ingredients
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products with appropriate labeling.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavoring
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Cis-3-Hexenyl Benzoate is 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
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should use caution and perform a patch test.
Yes, it is permitted as a flavoring agent in food, but should comply with safety standards.
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 | 2026-04-13T04:45:02.612585Z | — | 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.