8.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · preservative · solvent · intermediate
Vernaldehyde
Molecular Formula
C14H24O
Molecular Weight
208.34 g/mol
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Vernaldehyde is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, though caution is advised when used in food products.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in concentrations below regulatory limits
- formulated for topical application only
- not ingested or inhaled
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in combination with other active ingredients
- applying to broken or irritated skin
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have a known allergy to formaldehyde or related compounds
- using in food products without proper safety assessment
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C14H24O |
| Molecular Weight | 208.34 g/mol |
| Log P | 3.8 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Use in cosmetics is generally safe if formulated correctly.
Food
Flavoring agents, preservatives. Caution is advised when used in food products.
Pharmaceutical
Topical antiseptics, prescription creams. Typically safe in pharmaceuticals when used as directed.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Avoid use in supplements without thorough safety review.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Vernaldehyde is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Vernaldehyde may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may cause respiratory irritation; use in well-ventilated areas.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; avoid direct exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher likelihood of adverse reactions due to developing systems.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy necessitates caution.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but should be monitored.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; monitor for any adverse reactions. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to chemicals; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Vernaldehyde has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, with mixed results for food use.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2020) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Rabbit - Draize test | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2021) |
| Sensitization | positive in sensitization tests | Guinea pig - Maximization test | Moderate concern for sensitization | EFSA Opinion (2019) |
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
Vernaldehyde has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, with mixed results for food use.
- Generally safe in cosmetics at regulated levels.
- Limited data on food safety.
- Potential irritant and sensitizer.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Vernaldehyde
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations below 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Vernaldehyde
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Safety concerns for skin sensitization; further studies recommended.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Vernaldehyde
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Insufficient data to conclude on safety for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Vernaldehyde is permitted in cosmetics in the US and UK, but restricted in the EU for food use. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
Limited to cosmetic use
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Not allowed in food products
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Limited to cosmetic use
Canada
Health CanadaNO_DATA
No specific regulations identified
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, Vernaldehyde is safe in cosmetics when used at regulated levels.
Caution is advised; current data on food safety is insufficient.
Potential side effects include skin irritation and sensitization in some individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T08:29:34.666438Z | — | 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.