9.0
ISS Score
A+ — Excellent — very low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
solvent · fragrance · preservative · antioxidant
Furfural
Also known as: 2-Furaldehyde, 2-Furancarboxaldehyde, 2-Furylaldehyde, 2-Formylfuran, Artificial oil of sassafras
Odor: Almond-like, somewhat sweet, bitter almond, cherry, nutty
Molecular Formula
C5H4O2
Molecular Weight
96.08 g/mol
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Generally regarded as safe when used appropriately, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in recommended concentrations
- not combined with known irritants
- applied to intact skin
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other active ingredients
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to the ingredient
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C5H4O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 96.08 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -34.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 323.0°C |
| Solubility | 8% |
| Density | 1.1594 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 0.4 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, shampoos. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, food preservatives. Considered safe in food applications within limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, oral medications. Used in formulations; follow dosage guidelines.
Household
Cleaning agents, disinfectants. Use as directed; avoid mixing with other chemicals.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure is generally safe with minimal irritation reported.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Oral ingestion may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but may irritate sensitive airways.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact can cause significant irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity may lead to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal issues.
- elderly — Generally safe but should be monitored.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults with no significant health issues. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity in children may lead to adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Research indicates moderate safety for various applications, though individual reactions may vary.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2020) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2020) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human clinical trial | No sensitization reactions reported | EFSA Opinion (2019) |
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
Research indicates moderate safety for various applications, though individual reactions may vary.
- Generally safe in cosmetics and food.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments support its use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Ingredient
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Food Additives
Year: 2019
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe for food use.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of Ingredient
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe for specified uses.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory assessments indicate general safety 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
While generally safe, some individuals may experience irritation. Patch testing is advised.
Consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy to ensure safety.
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 | 2026-04-13T01:53:58.557027Z | — | 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.