56.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 3 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
solvent · fragrance ingredient · preservative · antimicrobial agent
BENZENEETHANOL
Category
organic compound
Bottom Line: Benzeneethanol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, though caution is advised with food use.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- applied to intact skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not ingested
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other skin irritants
- you have a history of allergies
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to benzene derivatives
- you have open wounds or broken skin
- you are using it in food products
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics at low concentrations.
Food
Flavoring agents, food preservatives. Caution advised; not widely approved for food use.
Pharmaceutical
Topical medications, oral solutions. Used safely in pharmaceuticals under regulated conditions.
Household
Cleaning agents, air fresheners. Use in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation risks.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Not commonly used in dietary supplements; caution advised.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Benzeneethanol is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of benzeneethanol can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and other adverse effects.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may cause respiratory irritation, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Direct eye contact with benzeneethanol can cause significant irritation and potential damage.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with proper use.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe with caution.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; caution is warranted. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Benzeneethanol is used in various products, with safety assessments indicating moderate risk in certain applications.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Moderate acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Rabbit - Dermal application | No irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Guinea Pig - Maximization test | No sensitization observed | FDA Regulatory Review (2020) |
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
Benzeneethanol is used in various products, with safety assessments indicating moderate risk in certain applications.
- Used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals with safety guidelines.
- Limited data on food safety; caution is advised.
- Regulatory assessments vary by region.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Benzeneethanol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Generally safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Benzeneethanol
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe in cosmetic products under specific conditions.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of Benzeneethanol
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted in cosmetics; limited data on food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Benzeneethanol is permitted in cosmetics in the US and UK, with restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Limited use in food products
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaNO_DATA
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes, but it should be used in low concentrations and with caution.
Caution is advised; it is not widely approved for food use in many regions.
Potential risks include skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T18:00:40.969321Z | — | 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.