6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · flavoring agent
P-Menthadiene
Molecular Formula
C10H16
Molecular Weight
136.23 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: P-Menthadiene is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- properly diluted in formulations
- not applied to broken skin
- used by individuals without known allergies
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other potential irritants
- you have a history of fragrance allergies
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to menthol or similar compounds
- you experience irritation upon application
- you are using it in high concentrations
- you have respiratory issues that may be aggravated by fragrances
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H16 |
| Molecular Weight | 136.23 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 171.0°C |
| Log P | 3.4 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations when used appropriately.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used as a flavoring agent; ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Pharmaceutical
Topical analgesics. May be included in topical formulations; monitor for skin reactions.
Supplement
Dietary supplements with flavoring. Used for flavoring; ensure proper dosage and formulation.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
P-Menthadiene is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of P-Menthadiene may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; immediate rinsing is recommended.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children are at a higher risk of adverse effects due to their developing systems.
- pregnant — Pregnant individuals should exercise caution due to limited safety data.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated by healthy adults with minimal risk.
- elderly — Typically tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally healthy adults can tolerate P-Menthadiene with minimal risk. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; potential risks are not fully understood. |
| infants_children | Very High | Children may be more sensitive to the effects of P-Menthadiene. |
| breastfeeding | Insufficient Data | Insufficient data on the effects of P-Menthadiene in breastfeeding mothers. |
| elderly | Low to Moderate | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities to P-Menthadiene. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
P-Menthadiene is 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 (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2019) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | 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
P-Menthadiene is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- Limited reports of skin irritation.
- No significant adverse effects noted in regulatory assessments.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of P-Menthadiene
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on P-Menthadiene
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on P-Menthadiene
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products with appropriate restrictions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
P-Menthadiene is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with specific guidelines. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics must comply with SCCS recommendations.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Must comply with UK cosmetic regulations.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Must comply with Canadian regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
P-Menthadiene is generally safe, but individuals with sensitive skin should test for reactions.
Yes, it is permitted as a flavoring agent in food, but should be used within safety limits.
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 | 2026-04-13T07:47:38.318760Z | — | 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.