7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · antimicrobial agent · skin conditioning agent
Terpineol
Also known as: alpha-terpineol, beta-terpineol, gamma-terpineol
Molecular Weight
154.25 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Terpineol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food products, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you have allergies to similar compounds
✕ Avoid If:
- you experience irritation or allergic reactions
- you are using it in high concentrations
- you have a history of respiratory issues
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 154.25 g/mol |
| Solubility | soluble in alcohol and oils |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Use in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Ensure good ventilation when using products containing terpineol.
Supplement
Essential oils, herbal supplements. Use with caution; consult a professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Terpineol is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of terpineol can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort; caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of terpineol vapors may cause respiratory irritation in some 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 risk of irritation and adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; consult healthcare provider.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Low to moderate risk; consult for advice.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on terpineol's effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to terpineol; potential for adverse reactions. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on terpineol transfer in breast milk; use with caution. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Terpineol is a terpene alcohol with various applications in cosmetics and food. Safety assessments indicate 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 | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | 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
Terpineol is a terpene alcohol with various applications in cosmetics and food. Safety assessments indicate low toxicity.
- Commonly used in fragrances and flavorings.
- Generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Terpineol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Terpineol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Terpineol
Year: 2016
Conclusion: No safety concerns at typical exposure levels in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Terpineol is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Terpineol may cause irritation in some individuals with sensitive skin; patch testing is recommended.
Yes, terpineol is generally recognized as safe for use in food flavoring at low concentrations.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T07:57:06.504778Z | — | 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.