Major component of clove, cinnamon leaf, and ylang-ylang oils; moderate sensitizer and EU Annex III allergen; cross-reacts with isoeugenol; IFRA restricts in leave-on skin products; also used as dental analgesic (separate function)
Function & Common Use
Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical
Fragrance Materials
Oriental and spicy perfumes, clove-type fragrances, body care, dental products, nail products
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 (EU Reg 2023/1545); IFRA restriction applies
None (FEMA GRAS); IFRA-guided
None
Format restriction: EU mandatory declaration when above threshold; IFRA 49th Amendment concentration limits by category
Baby restriction: No
Pregnancy: No
IFRA: Yes - IFRA 49th Amendment; Category 4 (body leave-on): 0.5%; Category 5A (face leave-on): 0.3%; Category 1 (fine fragrance): 1.5%; rinse-off (Category 9): higher limits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eugenol safe to use in skincare?
Eugenol has a Medium concern rating. Major component of clove, cinnamon leaf, and ylang-ylang oils; moderate sensitizer and EU Annex III allergen; cross-reacts with isoeugenol; IFRA restricts in leave-on skin products; also used as dental analgesic (separate function)
Is Eugenol allowed in India?
Eugenol 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 Eugenol used for in cosmetics?
Eugenol functions as: Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical. It is commonly found in: Oriental and spicy perfumes, clove-type fragrances, body care, dental products, nail products.
Can Eugenol cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Eugenol 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 Eugenol safe for babies?
Eugenol 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
Want to check if your product contains Eugenol?
Analyse a Product