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Skincare Ingredient

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Linalool

In Skincare: Is Linalool Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
3/5 — Moderate risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
4/5 — High risk

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Linalool is a terpene alcohol naturally occurring in plants such as lavender.

  • 02

    This ingredient serves as a fragrance component in cosmetic formulations.

  • 03

    Linalool has the potential to induce skin sensitization in some individuals.

  • 04

    In its unformulated state, linalool presents as a colorless liquid.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Linalool is a naturally occurring fragrance compound found in various plant oils, contributing a floral scent to cosmetics and personal care products. While linalool itself has limited sensitizing potential, oxidation when exposed to air can form compounds that may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Due to these potential sensitization concerns, the European Union requires linalool to be individually listed on product ingredient lists when used above specified concentrations in leave-on formulations.
Classifications
Fragrance: Synthetic and Natural
Irritant
Plant Extracts

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Linalool is a naturally occurring fragrance compound produced by numerous plant species. It can be both naturally extracted and synthesized for use in cosmetic applications.

Common Uses

Formulation in Linalool

Linalool is used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetic and personal care products. It’s commonly found in formulations such as aftershave lotions, bath products, bubble baths, cleansing products, hair care products, lipsticks, moisturizers, perfumes, colognes, shampoos, skin care products, and suntan lotions.

Role of Linalool

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

DEODORANT

Odor Neutralizer

Masks or neutralizes body odor

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Deodorants combat body odor through antimicrobial action against odor-causing bacteria (Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus), odor absorption/adsorption, enzymatic inhibition, or masking with fragrance. Active ingredients include antimicrobials, odor absorbers (zinc ricinoleate, cyclodextrins), and fragrances. They prevent bacterial conversion of sweat components into volatile malodorous compounds without reducing sweat volume.

PERFUMING

Fragrance Provider

Provides fragrance to enhance product appeal

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Perfuming ingredients add pleasant scents through complex mixtures of natural essential oils, aroma chemicals, and synthetic compounds. These volatile molecules evaporate and interact with olfactory receptors. Perfume construction uses top notes (citrus, herbs - high volatility), middle notes (floral, spice - moderate volatility), and base notes (woods, musks - low volatility) creating evolving scent profile. Must consider stability, allergen declaration, and IFRA compliance.

Products

containing Linalool

19166 formulations
UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen SPF 50
UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen SPF 50
Clarins · sunscreen
BB Cream with SPF 15
BB Cream with SPF 15
Burt's Bees · makeup
Fusskraft Red
Fusskraft Red
Gehwol · body-skincare

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Chemical Research in Toxicology, May 2020, pages 1,922-1,932

[2]

Contact Dermatitis, February 2019, pages 101-109

[3]

Toxicological Sciences, January 2018, pages 139–148

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Linalool — common questions

What is Linalool in skincare?

Linalool is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a floral scent, often described as similar to bergamot oil or French lavender. It is a naturally occurring compound found in plants including mint, cinnamon, citrus fruits, and birch trees. Linalool can also be produced through synthetic processes.

What does Linalool do? / Functions of Linalool?

Common functions: DEODORANT, PERFUMING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Linalool? / Is Linalool comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Linalool has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Linalool clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Linalool safe for skin?
3 3/5 — Moderate risk

Linalool has a safety rating of 3 out of 5. A rating of 3 indicates moderate safety considerations.

Is Linalool good for sensitive skin?
4 4/5 — High risk

Linalool has an irritancy rating of 4 out of 5. A rating of 4 means it has high irritation potential.

What are the side effects of Linalool in skincare?

Potential side effects include skin irritation (irritancy rating 4/5).

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