Anise Alcohol
Fragrance ingredient with an anise scent. Occurs in star anise essential oils and appears on the EU list of 26 allergens.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Rare but documented sensitizer. EU requires mandatory labeling.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- High
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Anise Alcohol (p-methoxybenzyl alcohol) is a fragrance ingredient with an anise scent. A natural component of star anise, anise, vanilla, and Peruvian balsam essential oils. Synthetic anise alcohol is usually used in cosmetics. Where applied. Perfumery and cosmetic scenting – creams, soaps, shampoos. Concentration 0.01–0.5%. Safety and regulation. On the EU list of 26 mandatory fragrance allergens (Regulation 1223/2009). Contact dermatitis in 1–2% of the population. Patients allergic to anise, fennel, or Peruvian balsam – cross-sensitization possible. At concentrations above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off – mandatory label declaration. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. No direct data. Apiaceae essential oils (anise, fennel) are also recommended to avoid in pregnancy due to a theoretical link to uterine contractions. Not suitable for. Known anise, fennel, or Peruvian balsam allergy, fragrance allergy, atopic dermatitis. Alternative – fragrance-free lines.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anise Alcohol safe during pregnancy?
Anise Alcohol should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
What skin types is Anise Alcohol for?
Anise Alcohol suits: normal, dry, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Can Anise Alcohol irritate the skin?
Anise Alcohol has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Can Anise Alcohol cause an allergic reaction?
Anise Alcohol has high allergen potential. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before facial application.
What is Anise Alcohol and what does it do in cosmetics?
Fragrance ingredient with an anise scent.
What's the INCI name for Anise Alcohol?
The INCI name is Anise Alcohol. It may also appear as: Anisyl Alcohol.
See Anise Alcohol in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar in action
More ingredients in the database
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Cinnamate, Benzyl Salicylate, Coffea Robusta Seed Extract, Gigartina Stellata Extract, Menthol, Resorcinol
Published: · updated: