fragrance · preservative
Farnesol
Watch if sensitive·Strong evidence
Farnesol is a natural fragrance and mild antimicrobial found in essential oils, and it is one of the EU-listed allergens requiring label disclosure. It has moderate documented sensitization potential, more so with repeated or prolonged exposure.
Worth knowing
- EU-labelled fragrance allergen
- Known contact sensitizer for some
- Restricted in the EU
EU named-label disclosure required above 0.001% leave-on / 0.01% rinse-off.
Gentler alternatives
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.