7.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance ingredient · Antioxidant · Preservative · Flavoring agent
Dihydroeugenol
Also known as: Dihydro-2-methoxy-4-allylphenol, 4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol
Molecular Formula
C10H14O2
Molecular Weight
166.22 g/mol
Category
Fragrance
Bottom Line: Dihydroeugenol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-formulated products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using multiple fragrance products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have known allergies to eugenol
- you experience irritation or allergic reactions
- you are using on children without consulting a doctor
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H14O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 166.22 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 125.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2.2 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used in food flavoring; ensure compliance with local regulations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use cautiously in pharmaceutical applications.
Supplement
Herbal supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dihydroeugenol is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of dihydroeugenol may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with dihydroeugenol can cause significant irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to potential irritants and allergens.
- pregnant — Limited safety data during pregnancy necessitates caution.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Typically well tolerated; monitor for unusual reactions.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally healthy adults can tolerate dihydroeugenol with minimal risk. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to the effects of dihydroeugenol. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals typically tolerate dihydroeugenol well. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Dihydroeugenol is a fragrance compound with limited safety data, 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 significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | EFSA 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
Dihydroeugenol is a fragrance compound with limited safety data, generally regarded as safe in low concentrations.
- Used in cosmetics and food products.
- May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments vary by region.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Dihydroeugenol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Dihydroeugenol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Dihydroeugenol
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Dihydroeugenol is safe for use in cosmetic products with restrictions.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Dihydroeugenol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Dihydroeugenol is acceptable for use in food flavoring at specified limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Dihydroeugenol is permitted in the US and UK, with restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Limited use in cosmetics
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
CA
Health CanadaNO_DATA
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Dihydroeugenol is primarily used as a fragrance in cosmetics and food products.
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should use caution and perform patch tests.
Yes, there are restrictions on its use in cosmetics within the EU, limiting concentrations.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:12:33.974222Z | — | 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.