Naturally occurring in tonka beans, cinnamon, sweet woodruff; EU Annex III allergen requiring declaration; hepatotoxic at high doses - US FDA banned as food additive; IFRA restricts in leave-on products; moderate skin sensitization potential
Function & Common Use
Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical
Fragrance Materials
Fougere, oriental, tobacco and hay-note perfumes; aftershaves, lotions, powders, tonka bean extracts
Natural/Synthetic
Concentration Limits
Declaration required above 0.001% leave-on / 0.01% rinse-off
Declaration threshold: 0.001% leave-on / 0.01% rinse-off; no absolute Annex III concentration cap but IFRA restricts
Banned as food additive (FDA); permitted in cosmetics; IFRA-guided
None specific; declaration required
Format restriction: EU mandatory declaration when above threshold; IFRA 49th Amendment limits by category; US FDA bans as food additive but permits in cosmetics
Baby restriction: No
Pregnancy: No
IFRA: Yes - IFRA 49th Amendment; Category 4 (body leave-on): 0.2%; Category 5A (face leave-on): 0.12%; Category 1 (fine fragrance): 2.5%; Category 9 (rinse-off body): 0.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coumarin safe to use in skincare?
Coumarin has a Medium concern rating. Naturally occurring in tonka beans, cinnamon, sweet woodruff; EU Annex III allergen requiring declaration; hepatotoxic at high doses - US FDA banned as food additive; IFRA restricts in leave-on products; moderate skin sensitization potential
Is Coumarin allowed in India?
Coumarin 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 Coumarin used for in cosmetics?
Coumarin functions as: Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical. It is commonly found in: Fougere, oriental, tobacco and hay-note perfumes; aftershaves, lotions, powders, tonka bean extracts.
Can Coumarin cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Coumarin 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 Coumarin safe for babies?
Coumarin has baby/child restrictions: No. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.
Regulatory Status
EU Annex: Annex III (fragrance allergen - declaration required)
Identifiers
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