7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · aroma compound
Ionone
Also known as: alpha-Ionone, beta-Ionone, Ionone
Molecular Formula
C13H20O
Molecular Weight
192.30 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Ionone is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities. Always check product labels.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- included in food products within regulatory limits
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies to similar compounds
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using multiple products containing fragrances
- you experience irritation after use
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to ionone or related compounds
- you are using products on broken or irritated skin
- you are sensitive to fragrances
- you are using it in high concentrations without guidance
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C13H20O |
| Molecular Weight | 192.30 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -35.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 266.0°C |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 3 ml 70% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2.9 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, shampoos. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe when used within established limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Consult a healthcare provider for sensitive skin use.
Supplement
Aromatic supplements. Use cautiously; consult a professional if unsure.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Ionone is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Ionone may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure to Ionone is typically low risk but may irritate sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to Ionone may lead to adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Typically well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults generally tolerate Ionone well, with minimal adverse effects. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of Ionone during pregnancy. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to Ionone exposure. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on Ionone transfer through breast milk. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals typically tolerate Ionone well. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Ionone is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low risk when used appropriately.
| 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 (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization observed | EFSA Opinion (2014) |
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
Ionone is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low risk when used appropriately.
- Commonly used as a fragrance in various products.
- Generally recognized as safe in regulated amounts.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ionone
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Ionone is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Ionone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Ionone is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Ionone
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Ionone is safe for use in food flavoring at specified limits.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Ionone is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with specific concentration limits. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
Max concentration of 0.5% in cosmetics
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Max concentration of 0.5% in cosmetics
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Ionone is generally safe in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%, though some may experience irritation.
Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to ionone. Patch testing is recommended.
Ionone is permitted in food flavoring within established safety limits, ensuring consumer safety.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:18:47.828724Z | — | 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.