8.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance ingredient · Flavoring agent · Preservative · Antioxidant
Coumarin
Also known as: 1,2-benzopyrone, Coumarin-1, Benzopyrone
Molecular Formula
C9H6O2
Molecular Weight
146.14 g/mol
Category
Fragrance
Bottom Line: Coumarin is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetics
- consumed in regulated amounts in food
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have a history of skin sensitivities
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using multiple products containing fragrances
- you have liver conditions
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to coumarin or related compounds
- you have a history of severe skin reactions
- you are using products for children
- you are consuming large amounts of coumarin-rich foods
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C9H6O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 146.14 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 68.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 297.0°C |
| Solubility | Solubility in water: poor |
| Density | 0.94 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 1.4 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, soaps. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Baked goods, flavored beverages, confectionery. Regulated amounts are safe for consumption.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, medicated ointments. Monitor for allergic reactions when used topically.
Supplement
Herbal extracts, essential oils. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Coumarin is generally safe for skin contact in low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of coumarin can pose risks, particularly at high doses, including potential liver toxicity.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of coumarin vapors may cause respiratory irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with coumarin can lead to irritation and should be avoided to prevent discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher susceptibility to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data; caution advised.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated in low concentrations.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults, but high doses should be avoided. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of coumarin during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Very High | Infants and children may be more susceptible to adverse effects from coumarin. |
| breastfeeding | Moderate | Limited data on coumarin transfer through breast milk; caution is recommended. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from coumarin. |
Toxicology Data
8 Endpoints
Coumarin is a fragrance compound with potential allergenic properties. Regulatory bodies assess its safety in various applications.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 293 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage (OECD 401/423) | Toxic | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1564/15, EFSA, EU Allergen Regulation |
| LD50 Dermal | 2000 mg/kg | Rabbit - Dermal application (OECD 402) | Moderate toxicity | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1564/15, EFSA, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Irritation | mild | Draize test (OECD 404) | mild irritation potential | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1564/15, EFSA, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Eye Irritation | mild | Draize test (OECD 405) | mild irritation potential | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1564/15, EFSA, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Sensitization | Sensitizer | Guinea pig maximization test (OECD 406) | Sensitization risk | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1564/15, EFSA, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Genotoxicity (Ames Test) | Positive | Bacterial reverse mutation assay (OECD 471) | Mutagenic potential | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1564/15, EFSA, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Negative | Two-generation study (OECD 416) | No reproductive effects | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1564/15, EFSA, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Carcinogenicity | IARC Group 3 | Long-term carcinogenicity studies (OECD 451/453) | Not classifiable as carcinogenic | SCCS Opinion SCCS/1564/15, EFSA, EU Allergen Regulation |
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
Coumarin is a fragrance compound with potential allergenic properties. Regulatory bodies assess its safety in various applications.
- Used widely in cosmetics and food products.
- Potential allergen for some individuals.
- Regulatory limits exist for safe use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Coumarin
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Coumarin is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Coumarin
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Coumarin should not exceed 0.1% in leave-on products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Coumarin
Year: 2008
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake (ADI) is set at 0.1 mg/kg body weight.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Coumarin is permitted in cosmetics and food with specific restrictions in the EU and UK. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
Limited in food products
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Max 0.1% in leave-on cosmetics
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentRESTRICTED
Max 0.1% in leave-on cosmetics
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Limited in food products
Frequently Asked Questions
Coumarin is commonly used as a fragrance in cosmetics and flavoring in food products.
Coumarin is generally safe in cosmetics at low concentrations, but some may experience allergic reactions.
Foods containing coumarin are safe in regulated amounts, but excessive consumption should be avoided.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:55:44.635837Z | — | 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.