Farnesol
(E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-1-ol; trans,trans-farnesol
EU Annex III fragrance allergen; sesquiterpene alcohol with floral-musky note; present naturally in many flowers and essential oils; moderate sensitization potential; IFRA restricts in leave-on skin products; also used as deodorant preservative agent (inhibits odor-causing bacteria)
Function & Common Use
Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical / Deodorant
Fragrance Materials
Lily-of-the-valley, rose and floral perfumes; deodorants; skin care; hair care; natural in small quantities in many essential oils
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 specific
Format restriction: EU mandatory declaration when above threshold; IFRA 49th Amendment concentration limits apply for leave-on products
Baby restriction: No
Pregnancy: No
IFRA: Yes - IFRA 49th Amendment; Category 4 (body leave-on): 0.4%; Category 5A (face leave-on): 0.24%; Category 1 (fine fragrance): 5.0%; rinse-off: higher limits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Farnesol safe to use in skincare?
Farnesol has a Medium concern rating. EU Annex III fragrance allergen; sesquiterpene alcohol with floral-musky note; present naturally in many flowers and essential oils; moderate sensitization potential; IFRA restricts in leave-on skin products; also used as deodorant preservative agent (inhibits odor-causing bacteria)
Is Farnesol allowed in India?
Farnesol 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 Farnesol used for in cosmetics?
Farnesol functions as: Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical / Deodorant. It is commonly found in: Lily-of-the-valley, rose and floral perfumes; deodorants; skin care; hair care; natural in small quantities in many essential oils.
Can Farnesol cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Farnesol 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 Farnesol safe for babies?
Farnesol 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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