6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance agent · solvent · antimicrobial agent · flavoring agent
Pinene
Also known as: alpha-Pinene, beta-Pinene, Pinene
Molecular Formula
C10H16
Molecular Weight
136.23 g/mol
Category
terpene
Bottom Line: Pinene 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 in cosmetic products
- Ingested as part of food flavoring
- Used in well-ventilated areas for household products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have a history of allergies or sensitivities
- Using in combination with other strong fragrances
- Pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare provider
✕ Avoid If:
- You have known allergies to pine or related compounds
- Using on broken or irritated skin
- Ingesting in large quantities outside of food products
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H16 |
| Molecular Weight | 136.23 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -67.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 313.2°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2.8 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, soaps. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, herbal teas. Generally safe when used as a food flavoring.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, inhalants. Consult a healthcare provider for medicinal use.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Ensure good ventilation when using products.
Supplement
Essential oils, herbal supplements. Use with caution and consult a professional.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Pinene is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of pinene can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; moderation is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of pinene may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
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 sensitivity to skin and respiratory irritation.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; caution is recommended.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but should be used cautiously.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally healthy adults can tolerate pinene with minimal risk. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on pinene effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to pinene; risk of irritation is higher. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on pinene transfer in breast milk; use with caution. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from pinene. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Pinene has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity in studies.
| 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 | Rabbit - Dermal application | Not a skin irritant | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Guinea Pig - Maximization test | No sensitization observed | 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
Pinene has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity in studies.
- Low acute toxicity observed in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- Potential irritant for sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Pinene
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Pinene is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Pinene
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Pinene is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Ingredients and Colors
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Pinene is generally recognized as safe when used in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Pinene is generally 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
Pinene is generally safe in cosmetics at low concentrations, but some may experience irritation.
Pinene is recognized as safe for use in food flavoring, but moderation is key.
If you have a sensitivity, avoid products containing pinene and consult a healthcare provider.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:46:21.059223Z | — | 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.