7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · skin conditioning agent · antimicrobial agent · preservative
Farnesol
Also known as: 3,7,11-Trimethyl-2-hexene-1-ol, Farnesyl alcohol
Molecular Formula
C15H26O
Molecular Weight
222.37 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Farnesol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies to fragrances
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in conjunction with other fragrances
- applying to areas with high absorption
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor
- you have a history of fragrance allergies
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C15H26O |
| Molecular Weight | 222.37 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 25.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 283.0°C |
| Solubility | soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.8 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Perfumes, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used in food flavoring; ensure compliance with local regulations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in some topical formulations; consult a healthcare provider.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Safe in household products; avoid direct skin contact.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Farnesol is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of Farnesol is typically safe in small amounts, but excessive intake may lead to gastrointestinal issues.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure to Farnesol is generally low risk, though high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes may cause irritation; rinsing is recommended if exposure occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to skin and respiratory irritants.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Generally low risk during breastfeeding.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for Farnesol exposure. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on the effects of Farnesol during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to Farnesol; use with care. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited evidence suggests low risk during breastfeeding. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from Farnesol. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Farnesol is a fragrance compound with low toxicity and is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food.
| 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 | Not a skin irritant | SCCS Opinion (2019) |
| Sensitization | may cause sensitization | Human sensitization study | Potential sensitizer in sensitive individuals | 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
Farnesol is a fragrance compound with low toxicity and is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Potential skin sensitizer in some individuals.
- Regulatory assessments support its safe use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Farnesol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Farnesol is safe as used in cosmetics.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Farnesol
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Farnesol is safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Farnesol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Farnesol is safe for use in food applications.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Farnesol 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
Farnesol is generally safe, but individuals with sensitive skin should patch test before use.
Yes, Farnesol is permitted in food applications, but should comply with local regulations.
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 | 2026-04-13T05:49:59.199433Z | — | 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.