6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
flavoring agent · fragrance ingredient · solvent · preservative · emollient
Acetoin
Also known as: acetyl methyl carbinol, butanediol, 2-hydroxy-3-butanone
Molecular Formula
C4H8O2
Molecular Weight
88.11 g/mol
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Acetoin is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities. Always check product labels.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in recommended concentrations
- not combined with known irritants
- applied to intact skin
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using multiple products containing acetoin
- you are pregnant or nursing
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to acetoin
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
- using on broken or damaged skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C4H8O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 88.11 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 59.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 298.4°C |
| Solubility | insoluble in vegetable oils; miscible with alcohol, water, propylene glycol |
| Density | 0.9972 g/cm³ |
| Log P | -0.3 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, hair conditioners, body lotions. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, baked goods, dairy products. Generally recognized as safe when used in food.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, oral formulations. Use under medical supervision if sensitive.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutraceuticals. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Acetoin is generally well tolerated on the skin with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Oral ingestion of acetoin is typically safe in food applications but may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure to acetoin is generally low risk, though high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes may cause irritation; caution is advised to avoid exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children may have heightened sensitivity to acetoin.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated in adults.
- breastfeeding — Typically safe for breastfeeding mothers.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for acetoin exposure. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on acetoin effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited data on acetoin transfer through breast milk. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Acetoin is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics and food, with a good safety profile based on available assessments.
| 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 | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization observed | 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
Acetoin is a widely used ingredient in cosmetics and food, with a good safety profile based on available assessments.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- Low irritation potential in cosmetic use.
- Limited data on long-term exposure effects.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Acetoin
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Acetoin is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Acetoin
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Acetoin is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Acetoin
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Acetoin is safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Acetoin 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
Acetoin is commonly used as a flavoring agent in food and as a cosmetic ingredient for its moisturizing properties.
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use to check for irritation.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products containing acetoin during pregnancy to ensure safety.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T03:54:05.208232Z | — | 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.