Ambergris Extract

INCI: AMBERGRIS EXTRACT

CAS Number
Not consistently assigned (natural complex)
Function
Perfuming (fragrance ingredient, declared as PARFUM on labels)
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status restricted
US Notes Not FDA-restricted as cosmetic ingredient; however, CITES/Endangered Species Act implications apply since ambergris originates from sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). US law generally prohibits trade in whale products under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
low
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Natural ambergris is derived from sperm whales (CITES Appendix I) with trade legality varying by jurisdiction—effectively banned in the US, Australia, and India but legal in the EU and UK if naturally found. Most commercial ambergris in fragrances is now synthetic (Ambroxan/Ambrox); supply chain documentation is critical.

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

plant-extract fragrance-component natural-origin

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ambergris Extract safe in cosmetics?

Natural ambergris is derived from sperm whales (CITES Appendix I) with trade legality varying by jurisdiction—effectively banned in the US, Australia, and India but legal in the EU and UK if naturally found. Most commercial ambergris in fragrances is now synthetic (Ambroxan/Ambrox); supply chain documentation is critical. The EU classifies Ambergris Extract as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is Ambergris Extract allowed in the EU?

Ambergris Extract EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Ambergris Extract do in cosmetics?

Ambergris Extract functions as: Perfuming (fragrance ingredient, declared as PARFUM on labels). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: Not consistently assigned (natural complex).

What is the Margin of Safety for Ambergris Extract?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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