Linalool
Linalool is a floral-scented fragrance ingredient and one of the fragrance allergens that EU cosmetics law requires to be named on the label above 0.001 % (leave-on) or 0.01 % (rinse-off).
- Used in
- Cosmetic ingredient (INCI)
- Role
- Fragrance allergen
Contains / relevant to
- Fragrance / parfum: Relevant to people avoiding fragrance / parfum. Declared fragrance and fragrance allergens.
- Contact dermatitis history: Common contact allergens from patch-test panels.
- Eczema / atopic dermatitis: Ingredients frequently reported as irritating to a compromised barrier.
- Sensitive: Ingredients with a higher reported sting rate.
What to look for on labels
- Cosmetic ingredient lists use INCI names, in descending order of concentration down to 1 %; ingredients below 1 % can follow in any order.
- In the EU it must be named in the ingredient list when it is above 0.001 % in leave-on products or 0.01 % in rinse-off products; below that it can sit inside “parfum”.
Questions and answers
Is linalool a fragrance allergen?
Yes. Linalool is one of the fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, substances known to cause contact allergy in some people. Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 expanded that list from 26 to more than 80 substances.
Why is linalool listed separately from parfum?
EU law requires these fragrance allergens to be named in the ingredient list when they are above 0.001 % in leave-on products or 0.01 % in rinse-off products, so people with a known allergy can find them.
Related
Sources
A named fragrance allergen under EU cosmetic labelling rules.
- EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III (restricted substances)
- IngrediLens ingredient database (names, flags and notes shown on this page)
Label information, not medical advice. This page describes how an ingredient is named and labelled and how IngrediLens flags it; it cannot tell you whether a product is safe for you. Always read the label on the product itself and follow the advice of your doctor, allergist or dermatologist. If someone shows signs of anaphylaxis, use their adrenaline auto-injector if they have one and call emergency services.
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