Strong skin sensitizer; EU Annex III with specific concentration limits (0.02% leave-on, 0.1% rinse-off); cross-reacts with eugenol; one of the more potent fragrance sensitizers still permitted but severely restricted; High concern for TCS; not recommended in products for damaged or sensitive skin
Function & Common Use
Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical
Fragrance Materials
Oriental and floral perfumes, ylang-ylang notes; increasingly restricted and being phased out of many formulations
Natural/Synthetic
Concentration Limits
Follow EU Annex III limits: 0.02% leave-on / 0.1% rinse-off
Annex III Entry 73: leave-on products 0.02%; rinse-off products 0.1% (specific restriction limit, not just declaration threshold)
IFRA-based; FEMA GRAS
Restricted; follow IFRA/EU guidance
Format restriction: EU Annex III specific concentration limits (not just declaration threshold); IFRA 49th Amendment further restricts by category
Baby restriction: Yes
Pregnancy: No
IFRA: Yes - IFRA 49th Amendment; Category 4 (body leave-on): 0.02%; Category 5A (face leave-on): 0.01%; restricted across most leave-on categories; rinse-off higher but still limited
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Isoeugenol safe to use in skincare?
Isoeugenol has a High concern rating. Strong skin sensitizer; EU Annex III with specific concentration limits (0.02% leave-on, 0.1% rinse-off); cross-reacts with eugenol; one of the more potent fragrance sensitizers still permitted but severely restricted; High concern for TCS; not recommended in products for damaged or sensitive skin
Is Isoeugenol allowed in India?
Isoeugenol is currently classified as "Restricted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is Follow EU Annex III limits: 0.02% leave-on / 0.1% rinse-off.
What is Isoeugenol used for in cosmetics?
Isoeugenol functions as: Fragrance / Perfuming / Aroma Chemical. It is commonly found in: Oriental and floral perfumes, ylang-ylang notes; increasingly restricted and being phased out of many formulations.
Can Isoeugenol cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Isoeugenol 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 Isoeugenol safe for babies?
Isoeugenol has baby/child restrictions: Yes. 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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