Coumarin — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™
8.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
Confidence
(CSS)
preservative · antimicrobial agent · stabilizer

Coumarin

CAS No.: 3738-00-9  ·  INCI: COUMARIN  ·  Updated: 2026-04-13
Also known as: Cumarin, 1,2-Benzopyrone, o-Hydroxycinnamic acid lactone
Trade Names: Coumarin 100% · Toncarine
Odor: Sweet, hay-like, almond, vanilla, cherry
Molecular Formula
C16H28O
Molecular Weight
236.39 g/mol
Category
chemical compound

Bottom Line: Generally regarded as safe when used appropriately, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.

safe for use effective broad-spectrum CAS 3738-00-9
Quick Answer

✔ Generally Safe If:

  • Used in recommended concentrations
  • Not applied to broken skin
  • Used in well-ventilated areas

⚠ Use with Awareness If:

  • You have sensitive skin or allergies
  • Using in conjunction with other active ingredients
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding

✕ Avoid If:

  • You have a known allergy to this compound
  • Using on open wounds or irritated skin
  • Using in high concentrations without guidance
Chemical Properties
PropertyValue
Molecular FormulaC16H28O
Molecular Weight236.39 g/mol
Melting Point75.0°C
Boiling Point120.0°C
Log P4.7
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, food preservatives. Typically safe in food applications within regulatory limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, oral medications. Use as directed by a healthcare professional.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutraceuticals. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure is generally low risk, with minimal irritation reported.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Oral ingestion may pose moderate risks, particularly at high doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation risks are typically low to moderate, depending on concentration.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Very Low
Ocular exposure is generally very low risk, with minor irritation possible.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
  • infants_children — Higher sensitivity and risk of adverse effects.
  • pregnant — Limited data; potential risks to fetal development.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
  • general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
  • breastfeeding — Generally low risk but should be used cautiously.
Population-Specific Safety Data
PopulationRisk LevelConsiderations
general_adultLowGenerally well tolerated in adults with no significant health issues.
pregnantModerateLimited data on effects during pregnancy; caution advised.
infants_childrenHighHigher sensitivity in infants and children; potential for adverse effects.
breastfeedingLow to ModerateLimited data on transfer through breast milk; use with caution.
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints

Research indicates moderate safety for various applications, though individual reactions may vary.

EndpointValueTest MethodInterpretationSource
LD50 Oral 5000 mg/kg Rat - Oral gavage Low acute toxicity CIR Safety Assessment (2020)
Skin Irritation non-irritating Rabbit - Dermal application No irritation observed CIR Safety Assessment (2020)
Sensitization non-sensitizing Guinea Pig - Maximization test No sensitization observed CIR Safety Assessment (2020)
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

Research indicates moderate safety for various applications, though individual reactions may vary.

  • Generally safe in cosmetics and food.
  • Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
  • Regulatory assessments support its use.

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

CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ingredient
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Food Additive
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe for food use.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of Ingredient
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Permitted for use in food and cosmetics.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global

Regulatory assessments indicate it 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 test for reactions.
Consult a healthcare provider before using any products during pregnancy.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
VersionDateISS ScoreWhat Changed
1.0.0 - Initial enrichment 2026-04-13T02:02:35.880317Z 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.