Is Alpha-isomethyl ionone Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Alpha-isomethyl ionone is warning label required in the EU but allowed in the US (fragrance allergens).
INCI name Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone. CAS 127-51-5.
Is Alpha-isomethyl ionone banned in the EU?
| EU status | Warning label required |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | perfume, scented products |
| CAS number | 127-51-5 |
What is Alpha-isomethyl ionone?
Alpha-isomethyl ionone (Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone) is a fragrance allergen.
Why is Alpha-isomethyl ionone used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Alpha-isomethyl ionone dangerous? Documented risks
An EU-listed fragrance allergen requiring declaration.
Products that may contain Alpha-isomethyl ionone
How to avoid Alpha-isomethyl ionone: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Alpha-isomethyl ionone
Is Alpha-isomethyl ionone banned in the EU?
Alpha-isomethyl ionone is warning_required under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Alpha-isomethyl ionone in US cosmetics?
Yes — Alpha-isomethyl ionone can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Alpha-isomethyl ionone?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Alpha-isomethyl ionone automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Alpha-isomethyl ionone?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Alpha-isomethyl ionone.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Alpha-isomethyl ionone or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related fragrance allergens
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.