Is Isoeugenol Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Isoeugenol is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (fragrance allergens).
INCI name Isoeugenol. CAS 97-54-1.
Is Isoeugenol banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | perfume, scented cosmetics |
| CAS number | 97-54-1 |
What is Isoeugenol?
Isoeugenol (Isoeugenol) is a fragrance allergen.
Why is Isoeugenol used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Isoeugenol dangerous? Documented risks
An EU-restricted fragrance allergen with concentration limits.
Products that may contain Isoeugenol
- perfume
- scented cosmetics
How to avoid Isoeugenol: 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 Isoeugenol
Is Isoeugenol banned in the EU?
Isoeugenol is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Isoeugenol in US cosmetics?
Yes — Isoeugenol 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 Isoeugenol?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Isoeugenol automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Isoeugenol?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Isoeugenol.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Isoeugenol 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.