6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance agent · Solvent · Antioxidant · Flavoring agent
Terpinolene
Also known as: p-Cymene, 1-Methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexene
Molecular Formula
C10H16
Molecular Weight
136.23 g/mol
Category
Terpene
Bottom Line: Terpinolene is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in low concentrations in cosmetic formulations
- Ingested as part of food flavoring
- Applied topically without known allergies
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- You are pregnant or nursing
- You are using other products with potential irritants
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to terpenes
- You are using it in high concentrations
- You experience irritation or adverse reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H16 |
| Molecular Weight | 136.23 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 25.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 183.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Density | 0.8632 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 2.8 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Generally safe in low concentrations; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, herbal teas. Used as a flavoring; ensure no allergies to terpenes.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicinal oils. Consult a healthcare provider for medicinal use.
Supplement
Herbal supplements, essential oils. Use with caution; consult a professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Terpinolene is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of terpinolene may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure to terpinolene is typically safe, but high concentrations may irritate the respiratory tract.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with terpinolene can cause irritation and discomfort, requiring immediate rinsing.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to terpinolene; use with caution.
- sensitive_skin — Prone to irritation; patch testing is recommended.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally considered safe with monitoring.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on terpinolene effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to terpinolene; use with caution. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited data on terpinolene transfer in breast milk; generally considered safe. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Terpinolene is a terpene with potential benefits and low toxicity, though individual sensitivities may occur.
| 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 (2019) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization observed | 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
Terpinolene is a terpene with potential benefits and low toxicity, though individual sensitivities may occur.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics and food.
- May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory bodies support its use in specified applications.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Terpinolene
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Terpinolene is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Terpinolene
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Terpinolene is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Terpinolene
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Terpinolene is safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Terpinolene 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
Terpinolene is generally safe for skin use in low concentrations, but patch testing is advised.
Though rare, terpinolene may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals; discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Yes, terpinolene is considered safe for use as a food flavoring agent according to EFSA.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:58:10.180092Z | — | 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.