6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Fragrance agent · Flavoring agent · Antimicrobial agent · Analgesic agent
Eugenol
Also known as: 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenol, Eugenic acid, Eugenyl alcohol
Molecular Formula
C10H12O2
Molecular Weight
164.2 g/mol
Category
Natural compound
Bottom Line: Eugenol 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
- not applied to broken skin
- not ingested in large amounts
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are allergic to cloves or similar compounds
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to eugenol
- you are using products for young children
- you have liver conditions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H12O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 164.2 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -12.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 252.0°C |
| Solubility | Soluble (in ethanol) |
| Density | 1.0652 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 2.0 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, scented oils, toothpaste. Use in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, spices, beverages. Generally safe in food, but high doses may cause adverse effects.
Pharmaceutical
Pain relief ointments, antiseptic solutions. Follow dosage recommendations to minimize risks.
Supplement
Herbal supplements, essential oils. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Eugenol is generally well tolerated on the skin but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of eugenol can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and should be used cautiously.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of eugenol vapors may cause respiratory irritation in some individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eugenol can cause significant irritation and damage to the eyes upon contact.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of adverse effects due to sensitivity.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; caution is advised.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal irritation.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity.
- breastfeeding — Use with caution; limited data available.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; use with caution. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to eugenol; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution advised. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
8 Endpoints
Eugenol has been assessed for safety in various applications, showing low toxicity but potential for skin irritation.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 1930 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage (OECD 401/423) | Moderate toxicity | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| LD50 Dermal | 2480 mg/kg | Rabbit - Dermal application (OECD 402) | Low toxicity | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Irritation | moderate | Draize test (OECD 404) | moderate irritation potential | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Eye Irritation | moderate | Draize test (OECD 405) | moderate irritation potential | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Sensitization | Sensitizer | Guinea pig maximization test (OECD 406) | Sensitization risk | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Genotoxicity (Ames Test) | Negative | Bacterial reverse mutation assay (OECD 471) | Not mutagenic | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Negative | Two-generation study (OECD 416) | No reproductive effects | SCCS, RIFM, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Carcinogenicity | IARC Group 3 | Long-term carcinogenicity studies (OECD 451/453) | Not classifiable as carcinogenic | SCCS, RIFM, 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
Eugenol has been assessed for safety in various applications, showing low toxicity but potential for skin irritation.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Potential skin irritant at high concentrations.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Eugenol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Eugenol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Eugenol
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Eugenol is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Eugenol in Food and Cosmetics
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Eugenol is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with no significant restrictions. 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
Eugenol is generally safe for skin use in low concentrations, but some may experience irritation.
Eugenol can be ingested in food products, but high doses may lead to adverse effects.
Possible side effects include skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:46:53.379374Z | — | 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.