Linalool

Linalol3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol

Fragrance ingredient

Linalool is a natural substance that gives many plants and flowers their pleasant smell. It is often added to products to make them smell nice or to cover up other odors.

What it is

Linalool is a clear liquid with a floral scent, primarily used to add fragrance to products.

Found in

perfumes, colognes, soaps, shampoos, lotions, detergents, air fresheners

The concern

The primary concern is its potential to cause skin sensitization or allergic reactions, particularly when it has oxidized.

Legal status

In the EU, it is one of 26 fragrance allergens that must be listed on ingredient labels if it exceeds certain concentrations. In the US, FDA requires cosmetic ingredients to be safe but does not have specific labeling requirements for linalool as an allergen.

Context-dependent

Linalool itself is not highly sensitizing, but its oxidation products can be potent sensitizers, especially in leave-on products.

Evidence & sources

Authority source

Safety basis: EU SCCS

EU SCCS opinion

Article / explainer

No highly relevant article explainer found yet.

Video explainer

Linalool: The 'Natural' Fragrance Ingredient That May Harm Your Skin! | What is Linalool?

Video

Nontoxic Life

Watch video

Community questions

Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.