Is Limonene safe in cosmetics?
Limonene has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 5 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Limonene
Also known as: (4R)-1-Methyl-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexene, Cyclohexene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)-, (4R)-, Citrene, EINECS 227-813-5, FEMA No. 2633 (+14 more)
INCI: LIMONENE
Limonene (CAS 5989-27-5) is a cosmetic fragrance functioning as solvent, penetration enhancer, fragrance component. Reported NOAEL =60 mg/kg bw/day in Rat (EFSA); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max >0.001% leave-on, >0.01% rinse-off (mandatory label declaration). Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety, pharmaceutical, and food safety data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 5989-27-5 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Limonene is classified GHS Danger (H226, H304, H315, H317, H400, H410, H412) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max >0.001% leave-on, >0.01% rinse-off (mandatory label declaration).
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu status/eu max; Chemicals: ghs classifications.signal word/hazard statement code
Function
solvent, penetration enhancer, fragrance component
Safety Rating
MODERATE
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
>0.001% leave-on, >0.01% rinse-off (mandatory label declaration)
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR reviewed as fragrance component. Potent penetration enhancer; oxidation products (limonene hydroperoxides) are potent sensitizers requiring antioxidant stabilization.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Limonene.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
5 study endpoints found for Limonene. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =60 mg/kg bw/day | - | Rat | reproduction toxicity | EFSA |
| NOAEL | =60 mg/kg bw/day | - | Rat | reproduction toxicity | EFSA |
| NOAEL | =100 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Dog | chronic | ECHA |
| NOAEL | =340 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Dog | chronic | ECHA |
| NOAEL | =825 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | short-term | ECHA |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the skin. The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. See Notes.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Limonene based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
moderate
Allergen Class
fragrance
EU Allergen Listed
yes
Patch Test Positive Rate
3.5%
Cross-reactivity Group
terpene-hydroperoxide-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
IFRA Restricted
Source: ESSCA/NACDG
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Limonene, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
15-28%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis
Molecular Weight
136.2 Da
Log P
4.57
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
10-24%
Safety Margin Factor
high
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: Int J Pharm 2006
EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values
10 toxicity values from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).
| Endpoint | Value | Species | Route | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =250 mg/kg-day | Mouse | oral | - | EFSA |
| NOAEL | =250 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | - | EFSA |
| LOEL | =28.8 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | short-term | ECOTOX |
| LOEL | =100 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | subchronic | ECOTOX |
| LOEL | =20000 ppm | Rat | oral | short-term | ECOTOX |
| NOEL | =20000 ppm | Rat | oral | short-term | ECOTOX |
| NOAEL | =215 mg/kg-day | Mouse | injection | - | EFSA |
| NOAEL | =215 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | chronic | EFSA |
| LD50 | >5000 mg/kg | Rabbit | dermal | - | ECHA |
| LOAEL | =3300 mg/kg-day | Mouse | oral | short-term | ECHA |
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
3
Volume
56, 73
Evaluation Year
1998
NB Overall evaluation downgraded to Group 3 with supporting evidence from other relevant data
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Danger
Pictograms
FlammableHealth HazardHarmful / IrritantEnvironmental Hazard
Hazard Class and Category
Flam. Liq. 3; Asp. Tox. 1; Skin Irrit. 2; Skin Sens. 1B; Aquatic Acute 1; Aquatic Chronic 3
Hazard Statements
- H226 Flammable liquid and vapour
- H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
- H315 Causes skin irritation
- H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
- H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
- H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Specific Concentration Limits / M-factors
M = 1
Inserted via ATP: ATP17
Sensitization AOP Dashboard
Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.
DPRA Cys %
18.4%
DPRA Lys %
0.5%
KeratinoSens IC50
100.183 µM
hCLAT CV75
736.6 µg/mL
LLNA EC3
52.5%
NESIL
4966 µg/cm²
LLNA: NC (non-sensitizer)
GHS: not classified
Human: positive
Source: LLNA: Gerberick et al. (2005) | Wei et al. (2010); DPRA: Hoffmann et al., 2018 | Urbisch et al. 2015 [DOI:10.1016/j.yrtph.2014.12.008]; KS: No reference provided in NICEATM database | Urbisch et al. 2015 [DOI:10.1016/j.yrtph.2014.12.008]; hCLAT: Urbisch et al. 2015 [DOI:10.1016/j.yrtph.2014.12.008]; HPPT: [103] Greif N (1967): Cutaneous safety of fragrance material as measured by the maximization test.
HRIPT Human Patch Test Studies
3 human repeat insult patch tests aggregated from dermatological literature.
| Test Type | N | Sensitized | Dose µg/cm² | NESIL µg/cm² | Potency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRIPT | 105 | 0 | 10039 | 10039 | non-sensitizer |
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 10039 | 10039 | non-sensitizer |
| HMT | - | 0 | 4965.52 | - | - |
Endocrine Disruptor Evidence (Expanded)
Cross-referenced EDC classifications, mechanism data, and dose-response evidence from EDLists, SIN List, and cosmetic-specific detail sources.
Cosmetic-Specific Mechanism
Category: fragrance
Receptor targets: ERα (limited)
LOEC: 100 µM
EU status: allowed (allergen labeling)
weak modulator
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
1,000 - 10,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
SA Saudi SFDA (III - Restricted)
BRIN Brazil/India Cosmetics
Brazil: Restricted (Fragrance Allergen) · max >0.001% leave-on / >0.01% rinse-off requires labeling
India: Restricted
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (2)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Max % | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU | restricted | - | fragrances |
| GCC | restricted | 0.001 | Leave-on products |
IFRA Concentration Limits (12 Product Categories)
International Fragrance Association standards per product category. Restriction: Specification. Effective: 1995-01-01.
| Category | Max % | Category | Max % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Lip products) | – | 7a (Deodorant – not spray) | – |
| 2 (Body spray) | – | 7b (Deodorant spray) | – |
| 3 (Body cream) | – | 8 (Face cream) | – |
| 4 (Fine fragrance) | – | 9 (Soap) | – |
| 5a (Body lotion) | – | 10a (Household – non-spray) | – |
| 5b (Face cream leave-on) | – | 10b (Household – spray) | – |
| 5c (Hand cream) | – | 11a (Intimate – leave-on) | – |
| 5d (Baby cream) | – | 11b (Intimate – rinse) | – |
| 6 (Mouthwash) | – | 12 (Not for consumer exposure) | – |
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shampoo | 0.001–0.5 | 2 | CIR Safety Assessment |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
allergen_detail
{"eu_allergen_listed": "yes", "allergen_class": "fragrance", "cross_reactivity_group": "terpene-hydroperoxide-group", "patch_test_frequency_pct": "3.5", "sensitization_rate": "moderate", "common_reaction_type": "contact-dermatitis", "ifra_restricted": "yes", "source": "ESSCA/NACDG"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "0.01", "max_concentration_pct": "1.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "0.3", "product_type": "Body Lotion", "function_at_concentration": "Fragrance component, citrus", "source": "EU Cosmetics Regulation (labeling required)"}
cost_pricing
{"cost_tier": "budget", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_low": "8", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_high": "15", "natural_premium_markup_pct": "12", "organic_certified_premium_pct": "25", "supply_chain_volatility": "low", "primary_source_region": "US/Brazil", "synthetic_vs_natural_cost_ratio": "1.8", "bulk_discount_threshold_kg": "500", "seasonal_price_variation": "medium", "commodity_or_specialty": "commodi…
deodorant
{"cas_number": "5989-27-5", "ingredient_class": "antimicrobial_deodorant", "mechanism_of_action": "bacterial_growth_inhibition", "antiperspirant_efficacy_sweat_reduction_pct": "0", "deodorant_efficacy_hours": "4-8", "odor_reduction_pct": "25-45", "bacteriostatic": "yes", "bactericidal": "limited", "target_bacteria": "limited", "microbiome_impact": "selective", "axillary_microbiome_effect": "varies…
dermal_absorption
{"molecular_weight_da": "136.2", "log_p_value": "4.57", "skin_penetration_level": "epidermis", "penetration_depth": "epidermis/dermis", "absorption_pct": "15-28", "systemic_absorption": "yes", "penetration_enhancer": "yes", "occlusion_effect": "no", "vehicle_dependent": "yes", "skin_barrier_effect": "weakens", "bioavailability_topical_pct": "10-24", "safety_margin_factor": "high", "source": "SCCS/…
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "yes", "biodegradation_days": "7-28", "bioaccumulative": "no", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "moderate", "coral_reef_safe": "yes", "marine_toxicity": "moderate at high conc", "freshwater_toxicity": "LC50 fish 0.6-1 mg/L", "endocrine_disruptor": "no", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "no", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no", "eu_restricted_environmental"…
fragrance
{"cas_number": "5989-27-5", "ingredient_class": "natural_isolate", "chemical_class": "terpene", "odor_family": "citrus", "odor_description": "Fresh, sweet citrus, orange peel", "odor_strength": "strong", "odor_tenacity_hours": "1.5", "top_note": "yes", "heart_note": "no", "base_note": "no", "blending_factor_1_10": "8.0", "threshold_of_detection_ppb": "10.0", "molecular_weight_Da": "136.23", "boili…
interactions
{"ingredient_2": "Active ingredients", "interaction_type": "enhanced_penetration", "severity": "caution", "effect": "Terpene penetration enhancer, increases sensitization risk", "recommendation": "Use carefully; enhanced penetration can increase irritation", "data_source": "Formulation science literature, dermatological research, cosmetic chemistry best practices", "last_updated": "2026-03-05"}
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Cleaning agent
Flavouring and nutrient
Fragrance
Solvent
Surfactant (surface active agent)
Regulatory List Membership (5)
EU Regulated in Personal Care
IFRA Fragrance Transparency List
EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL)
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
Consumer Product Chemical
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Limonene.
Regulatory Flags
eu-restricted
fragrance-allergen
sensitizer-oxidized
penetration-enhancer
eu_children_restricted
epa_safer_alternative
ifra_fragrance
fda_food_additive
eu_cosing_listed
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Limonene by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
5
Lowest NOAEL
60 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
825 mg/kg bw/day
EFSA
ECHA
Known Synonyms
(4R)-1-Methyl-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexene
Cyclohexene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)-, (4R)-
Citrene
EINECS 227-813-5
FEMA No. 2633
(+)-4-Isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexene
Kautschiin
(+)-R-Limonene
d-p-Mentha-1,8-diene
1-Methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexene, (R)-
NCI-C55572
(+)-alpha-Limonene
d-Limoneno
UNII-GFD7C86Q1W
(4R)-1-methyl-4-isopropenylcyclohex-1-ene
(4R)-4-isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexene
(R)-1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexene
4betaH-p-mentha-1,8-diene
(4R)-1-methyl-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-1-ene
Chemical Function
Solvent
Fragrance
Regulatory Lists
Canada; pharmaceutical
SCIL (9/2019)
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
Europe
Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
Cleaning products and household care - shoes; Europe
Cleaning products and household care - shoes; Europe
detected; Europe; Personal care - nails - nail polish
detected; Europe; Personal care - make-up and related
Cleaning products and household care; Europe
Cleaning products and household care - laundry and fabric treatment - laundry stain remover; detected; Europe
Cleaning products and household care - carpet and floor - carpet cleaner; Cleaning products and household care - laundry and fabric treatment - laundry stain remover; detected; Europe
Cleaning products and household care - carpet and floor - carpet cleaner; detected; Europe
Cleaning products and household care - laundry and fabric treatment - laundry stain remover; detected; Europe
Europe; Personal care - sexual wellness
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed_with_terms
Specific information requirements: Obligations to provide information apply. These obligations are: 1. If the assessment report about the chemical recommends secondary notification of the chemical in particular circumstances and any of the circumstances occur in relation to the introduction (importation or manufacture) of the chemical by a person, then the...
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical and food safety data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Compound
D-LIMONENE
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL449062
Max Phase
2
SOURCE
EFSA / FDA GRAS
food_additives
Food Safety Data
Same-CAS food additive or FDA GRAS records from the core public database.
Food Name
Limonene
ADI
NOT SPECIFIED (1993) mg/kg bw
Food Category
preservative
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Limonene allowed in the EU?
Limonene EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: >0.001% leave-on, >0.01% rinse-off (mandatory label declaration). This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Limonene do in cosmetics?
Limonene functions as: solvent, penetration enhancer, fragrance component. It is classified as a Fragrance in our database. CAS number: 5989-27-5.
What is the NOAEL for Limonene?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Limonene is =60 mg/kg bw/day based on a reproduction toxicity study via oral route in Rat. A total of 5 study endpoints are available. Source: EFSA.
Is Limonene used outside cosmetics?
Limonene also appears in industrial chemical safety, pharmaceutical, and food safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Limonene have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Limonene is classified GHS Danger (H226, H304, H315, H317, H400, H410, H412) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max >0.001% leave-on, >0.01% rinse-off (mandatory label declaration).
Compliance Tools
Check Limonene compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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