68.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance · Solvent · Flavoring agent · Cleaning agent
D-LIMONENE
Also known as: 1-Methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexene, Limonene
Molecular Weight
136.24 g/mol
Category
Terpene
Bottom Line: D-Limonene 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
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not ingested in large amounts
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have citrus allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you have sensitive skin
- you are using other skin irritants
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to citrus fruits
- you have a history of skin sensitization
- you are using on children under 2 years
- you are applying near eyes or mucous membranes
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 136.24 g/mol |
| Solubility | soluble in organic solvents, insoluble in water |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, confectionery. Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
Pharmaceutical
Topical analgesics, cough syrups. Consult a healthcare provider for medicinal use.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Ensure good ventilation when using products containing D-Limonene.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, essential oils. Use with caution; consult a healthcare professional.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
D-Limonene is generally well tolerated on skin but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of D-Limonene is typically safe in small amounts, but high doses may cause gastrointestinal upset.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation of D-Limonene is generally safe, though prolonged exposure may lead to respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with D-Limonene can cause irritation and discomfort; rinsing is recommended.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to skin and respiratory irritants.
- sensitive_skin — Prone to irritation from topical applications.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe with monitoring.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Most adults tolerate D-Limonene well, but sensitivity varies. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on high-dose effects during pregnancy. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to D-Limonene exposure. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited evidence suggests low risk during breastfeeding. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
D-Limonene is a terpene with various applications, generally recognized as safe but may cause irritation in some individuals.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Rabbit - Dermal application | Not a skin irritant | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | may cause sensitization | Guinea Pig - Maximization test | Moderate concern for sensitization | 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
D-Limonene is a terpene with various applications, generally recognized as safe but may cause irritation in some individuals.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food products.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments support its safe use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of D-Limonene
Year: 2012
Conclusion: D-Limonene is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on D-Limonene
Year: 2018
Conclusion: D-Limonene is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status List
Year: 2021
Conclusion: D-Limonene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
D-Limonene 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
D-Limonene may cause irritation for some individuals with sensitive skin; patch testing is recommended.
D-Limonene is generally recognized as safe for ingestion in food, but excessive amounts should be avoided.
Potential side effects include skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T18:51:28.117238Z | — | 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.