6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Flavoring agent · Fragrance component · Insect repellent · Potential antimicrobial agent
Nootkatone
Also known as: Nootkatol, Nootkatone, Nootkatone 4674-50-4
Molecular Formula
C15H22O
Molecular Weight
218.33 g/mol
Category
Flavoring Agent
Bottom Line: Nootkatone is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though individual sensitivities may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in concentrations below 10%
- Formulated in products for external use only
- No known allergies to similar compounds
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- Using in combination with other active ingredients
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to nootkatone
- Using on broken or irritated skin
- Ingesting in large amounts without guidance
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C15H22O |
| Molecular Weight | 218.33 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 45.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 125.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3.9 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, body lotions, shampoos. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Beverages, confectionery, seasonings. Approved for use in food at regulated levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Use in formulations as directed by a healthcare professional.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Nootkatone is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of nootkatone may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause mild respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Eye contact with nootkatone may cause mild irritation but is generally low risk.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to nootkatone may lead to adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal side effects.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated but may require monitoring.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate nootkatone well, with minimal adverse effects reported. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of nootkatone during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to nootkatone; potential for adverse reactions exists. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but elderly may have increased sensitivity. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Nootkatone has been evaluated 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 irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
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
Nootkatone has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- No significant adverse effects reported in cosmetic use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Nootkatone
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Nootkatone is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Nootkatone
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Nootkatone is safe for use as a flavoring agent in food.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Nootkatone is permitted as a flavoring substance in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Nootkatone 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
Nootkatone is generally safe for topical use, but patch testing is recommended.
Nootkatone is permitted in food, but always follow recommended guidelines for use.
Generally, nootkatone has low toxicity, but individual reactions may vary.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:22:03.051037Z | — | 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.