4.0
ISS Score
D — Higher caution — limited safety data
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
flavor enhancer · fragrance component · aroma compound
Dimethylhydroxy Furanone
Molecular Formula
C6H8O3
Molecular Weight
128.13 g/mol
Category
flavoring agent
Bottom Line: Dimethylhydroxy Furanone is generally considered safe for use in food and cosmetics, though individual sensitivities may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in low concentrations as a flavoring agent
- Formulated in products with established safety profiles
- Not applied to broken skin in cosmetics
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have known allergies to similar compounds
- Using in combination with other strong fragrances
- Pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare provider
✕ Avoid If:
- You experience irritation or allergic reactions
- Using in high concentrations without guidance
- You have a history of skin sensitivities
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C6H8O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 128.13 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 77.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 216.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 0.7 |
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Food
Beverages, confectionery, baked goods. Used in food products at regulated levels.
Supplement
Flavoring agents in dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider for supplement use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dimethylhydroxy Furanone is generally well tolerated on skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Eye contact may cause mild irritation, but serious effects are unlikely.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposure may lead to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited safety data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe, but caution is advised due to limited data.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally healthy adults can tolerate Dimethylhydroxy Furanone without issues. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposure. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Dimethylhydroxy Furanone has been evaluated for safety in food and cosmetic applications, showing low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2019) |
| Sensitization | non-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
Dimethylhydroxy Furanone has been evaluated for safety in food and cosmetic applications, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- Limited skin irritation potential in cosmetic formulations.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Dimethylhydroxy Furanone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 19
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food at specified levels.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Dimethylhydroxy Furanone
Year: 2019
Conclusion: No safety concerns at recommended use levels.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Dimethylhydroxy Furanone is permitted for use in food and cosmetics 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 first.
Yes, it is permitted in food products at regulated levels, but check local guidelines.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation persists.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:20:02.628713Z | — | 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.