Ingredient
Coumarin
What is Coumarin?
Coumarin is a naturally occurring compound found in many plants, including tonka beans, sweet clover, and cinnamon. It has a sweet, vanilla-like aroma and is synthesized for various uses in the laboratory.
In products, coumarin is used primarily as a fragrance ingredient and occasionally as a flavor component. However, its consumption is restricted in several countries due to potential liver toxicity observed in high dosages in animal studies.
When you see coumarin on a label, it is often in personal care or fragrance products. Its presence in food products is strictly regulated to ensure consumer safety.
Commonly found in: Perfumes, Fragrances, Hand Sanitizers, Cosmetics
What to watch
- Excessive consumption of coumarin, particularly in cinnamon, has been associated with liver damage in animal studies.
Coumarin is banned as a food additive in the US due to safety concerns, but it can be present in products like fragrances.
While research has indicated potential toxic effects at high doses, the risk from typical exposure in personal care products is considered low.
Coumarin is derived from plant sources and is suitable for vegan use.
Sources: Overview of Coumarin Toxicity
Scout's take
IFRA / EU-declared fragrance allergen; required on the label because it exceeds 0.001% in this leave-on product. Category 2 skin sensitizer; the EU SCCS has flagged cumulative exposure risk across multiple fragranced products.
The case against
There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential skin irritation in very sensitive individuals.
from the analysis of Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum CreamThe case for
It provides a sweet scent to the product.
from the analysis of Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum CreamMore from Scout's analyses
Coumarin is a fragrance ingredient used to impart a sweet scent. It is used in small amounts in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
from the analysis of Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum CreamIFRA / EU-declared fragrance allergen with vanilla-tonka odor. Recognized dermal sensitizer; IFRA cap of 0.5% in leave-on products.
from the analysis of Abel Cobalt Amber Eau de ParfumSweet hay fragrance ingredient on the EU 26-allergen list.
from the analysis of Bath & Body Works PocketBac Japanese Cherry Blossom Hand SanitizerFound in 22 products
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