8.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance ingredient · Solvent · Emollient · Antimicrobial agent
Nerolidol Isomers
Also known as: Nerolidol, Trans-Nerolidol, Cis-Nerolidol
Molecular Formula
C15H26O
Molecular Weight
222.37 g/mol
Category
Fragrance
Bottom Line: Nerolidol isomers are generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though individual sensitivities may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in concentrations below 1% in cosmetics
- Ingested in food products as flavoring agents
- No known allergies to nerolidol or related compounds
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- Using in combination with other fragrances
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to nerolidol
- Using on broken or irritated skin
- Ingesting in large quantities beyond food use
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C15H26O |
| Molecular Weight | 222.37 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.6 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe when used as a food flavoring.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, medicated ointments. Monitor for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Supplement
Herbal supplements, aromatherapy oils. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Nerolidol isomers are generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of nerolidol isomers is typically safe in small amounts, but excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure to nerolidol isomers is generally low risk, with minimal respiratory irritation reported.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with nerolidol isomers may cause irritation; caution is advised to avoid exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children may have heightened sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy necessitates caution.
- sensitive_skin — Individuals with sensitive skin may react adversely.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated by most adults.
- elderly — Typically safe for elderly individuals with monitoring.
- breastfeeding — Considered low risk during breastfeeding with caution.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for nerolidol exposure. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on the effects of nerolidol during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures; use with care. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; generally considered safe. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities; monitor usage. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from nerolidol. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Nerolidol isomers are generally recognized as safe in cosmetics and food, with low toxicity.
| 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 significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization reactions | EFSA Opinion (2016) |
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
Nerolidol isomers are generally recognized as safe in cosmetics and food, with low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Commonly used in fragrances and flavorings.
- Potential skin irritant for sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Nerolidol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Nerolidol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Nerolidol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Nerolidol
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Nerolidol isomers are 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
Nerolidol is commonly used as a fragrance in cosmetics and as a flavoring agent in food.
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use.
Yes, nerolidol is used in food products, but should be consumed in moderation.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:09:12.525814Z | — | 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.