Ingredient · Updated
Isoeugenol
Found in 14 productsSee all
What is Isoeugenol?
Isoeugenol is a chemical compound naturally found in certain essential oils, including clove and nutmeg oils. It is synthetically produced for use in various applications.
In the fragrance industry, isoeugenol is prized for its spicy, clove-like aroma and is used to impart a warm scent in perfumes and other fragranced products. Some studies have raised concerns about skin sensitivity and allergic reactions at higher concentrations.
When reviewing ingredients on a label, it's useful for consumers to be aware of any personal allergies or sensitivities they may have towards fragrance components like isoeugenol.
Commonly found in: perfumes, colognes, soaps, lotions, cosmetics
What to watch
- Isoeugenol has been associated with allergic skin reactions in some individuals.
The FDA allows its use in fragrance products, but it must be clearly labeled, particularly to inform individuals with sensitivities.
Research highlights that while it is effective as a fragrance component, it can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Isoeugenol is generally considered vegan as it is synthetically derived or extracted from plant oils.
Scout's take
EU 26 fragrance allergen and a top-strength dermal sensitizer per IFRA. Use level in leave-on products is capped at 0.02% by IFRA because of its high allergic-contact-dermatitis rate.
The case against
Potential allergen and skin irritant.
from the analysis of Aera Mini DiffuserThe case for
Adds a spicy fragrance to products.
from the analysis of Aera Mini DiffuserMore from Scout's analyses
One of the strongest regulated fragrance sensitizers — IFRA caps it at 0.02% in leave-on products because of its contact-allergy record. Declared here, meaning it exceeds the 0.001% labeling threshold.
from the analysis of Le Labo Rose 31 Eau de ParfumIsoeugenol is a phenylpropene, a type of phenylpropanoid. It is used for its spicy scent. It is generally safe but can cause allergic reactions.
from the analysis of Aera Mini DiffuserAll 14 products with Isoeugenol
Where Isoeugenol shows up
- Fragrances 13 products
- Air Fresheners 1 product
Higher-scoring picks without Isoeugenol
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Isoeugenol, scoring 80 or above.
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