Ingredient Directory
Medium ConcernVegan Evaluator Flag

Anise Alcohol

4-methoxybenzyl alcohol; para-anisyl alcohol

Safety Flags
Allergen: Yes - EU Annex III fragrance allergen
Safety Notes

EU Annex III fragrance allergen; found naturally in anise oil and some balsams; moderate sensitization potential; produces sweet floral-anisic note; also known as anisyl alcohol or para-methoxybenzyl alcohol

Function & Common Use

Function

Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical

Category

Fragrance Materials

Common In

Anise, floral and oriental fragrance notes; soaps, perfumes, body care, detergents

Origin

Natural/Synthetic

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

Declaration required above 0.001% leave-on / 0.01% rinse-off

EU Cosmetics Reg.

Declaration threshold: 0.001% leave-on / 0.01% rinse-off (EU Reg 2023/1545)

US FDA (21 CFR)

None (FEMA GRAS); IFRA-guided

Korea (MFDS)

None specific

Format restriction: EU mandatory declaration when above threshold; IFRA 49th Amendment limits by category

Baby restriction: No

Pregnancy: No

IFRA: Yes - IFRA 49th Amendment; Category 4 (body leave-on): 0.7%; Category 5A (face leave-on): 0.4%; Category 1 (fine fragrance): no restriction; rinse-off: higher limits

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anise Alcohol safe to use in skincare?

Anise Alcohol has a Medium concern rating. EU Annex III fragrance allergen; found naturally in anise oil and some balsams; moderate sensitization potential; produces sweet floral-anisic note; also known as anisyl alcohol or para-methoxybenzyl alcohol

Is Anise Alcohol allowed in India?

Anise Alcohol is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is Declaration required above 0.001% leave-on / 0.01% rinse-off.

What is Anise Alcohol used for in cosmetics?

Anise Alcohol functions as: Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical. It is commonly found in: Anise, floral and oriental fragrance notes; soaps, perfumes, body care, detergents.

Can Anise Alcohol cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Anise Alcohol has an allergen flag (Yes - EU Annex III fragrance allergen). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

Is Anise Alcohol safe for babies?

Anise Alcohol has baby/child restrictions: No. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Medium Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
FEMA GRAS
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Permitted
Canada (NHPID)
Permitted

EU Annex: Annex III (fragrance allergen - declaration required)

Identifiers

CAS105-13-5
EC203-273-6

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