68.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Flavoring agent · Fragrance ingredient · Aromatic compound · Potential antimicrobial agent
CARVONE (ISO)
Also known as: 2-Methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one, R-Carvone, S-Carvone
Molecular Weight
150.22 g/mol
Category
Flavoring Agent
Bottom Line: Carvone is generally considered safe for use in food and cosmetics, though individual sensitivities may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not ingested in large amounts
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have a history of allergies to mint or similar compounds
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other skin irritants
- you have sensitive skin
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to carvone or related compounds
- you have asthma or respiratory issues
- you are using on children under 2 years
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 150.22 g/mol |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Use in cosmetics is generally safe, but patch test first.
Food
Flavored beverages, confectionery, baked goods. Generally safe in food, but avoid excessive consumption.
Pharmaceutical
Cough syrups, topical ointments. Used in pharmaceuticals; follow dosage guidelines.
Supplement
Herbal supplements, essential oils. Consult a healthcare provider before use in supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Carvone is generally well tolerated on the skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Ingestion of carvone is typically safe in food amounts, but high doses may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation of carvone vapors is generally safe, though prolonged exposure may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes may cause irritation; rinsing is recommended if exposure occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children may experience heightened sensitivity to carvone.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Most adults tolerate carvone without issues.
- elderly — Elderly individuals typically have a good tolerance.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate carvone well, with minimal adverse effects reported. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on carvone's effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to carvone; use in moderation. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited evidence suggests carvone is safe during breastfeeding. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals generally tolerate carvone well, but sensitivity may vary. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Carvone is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
| 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 | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human clinical study | No sensitization reactions reported | 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
Carvone is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Minimal skin irritation reported.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Carvone
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Carvone is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Carvone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Carvone is safe for use in food flavoring at specified limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Carvone is permitted as a flavoring agent in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Carvone is permitted for use in food and cosmetics 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
Carvone is generally safe in cosmetics, but patch testing is recommended to check for sensitivities.
Yes, carvone is permitted as a flavoring agent in food, but should be used within recommended limits.
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions; discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T18:32:02.895485Z | — | 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.