Ingredient review
Linalyl Anthranilate
INCI: LINALYL ANTHRANILATE
Linalyl anthranilate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a floral, fruity scent to products, but it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
In plain English
Linalyl anthranilate is a man-made chemical that smells like flowers and fruit. It's added to many beauty products to give them a pleasant scent. Because it's a fragrance ingredient, it can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of fragrance allergies.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is low.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Linalyl Anthranilate can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Linalyl Anthranilate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
moderateCan bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Linalyl anthranilate is a synthetic ester created by combining linalool (a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spices) with anthranilic acid. It is used exclusively as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, linalyl anthranilate does not provide any skincare benefit like moisturizing or protecting the skin. Its sole purpose is to impart a pleasant floral, fruity, or sweet scent to the product, enhancing the user's sensory experience.
Pros
Pleasant Scent
Adds a sweet, floral-fruity aroma that many people find appealing, improving the overall experience of using a product.
Widely Used
Commonly found in many types of cosmetics, making it easy to find products that contain it if you enjoy the scent profile.
Cons and cautions
Potential Allergen
Can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people, leading to redness, itching, or swelling on the skin.
No Skincare Benefit
Provides no moisturizing, anti-aging, or protective benefits—its only role is to add fragrance, which may be unnecessary for some users.
Best for
- Individuals who enjoy scented products and do not have a history of fragrance allergies
- People with normal, non-sensitive skin looking for a pleasant fragrance experience
Use caution if
- Individuals with known fragrance allergies or sensitive skin
- Those with eczema, rosacea, or other skin conditions that make them prone to irritation
Usage tips
Safety summary
Linalyl anthranilate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at low concentrations, but it is a known skin sensitizer and allergen. People with fragrance sensitivities should avoid it. Regulatory bodies in the EU require it to be labeled as an allergen.
Research notes
Research indicates that linalyl anthranilate can cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. It is classified as a fragrance allergen by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) in the EU. Studies show it has low acute toxicity but moderate skin sensitization potential.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at very low levels, often below 1% in leave-on products.
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US and EU, but in the EU it must be listed on the label if it exceeds 0.01% in leave-on products or 0.001% in rinse-off products due to its potential as an allergen.
- Common uses
- Fragrances, Perfumes, Scented lotions, Body washes
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic compound, its environmental impact depends on production methods and disposal. It is not known to be biodegradable in all conditions, but it is used in very small amounts.
Good to know
- Linalyl anthranilate is often listed under 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on ingredient labels, so it may not always appear by name.
- It is regulated as a fragrance allergen in the European Union and must be listed separately on the label if present above certain concentrations.
- This ingredient is not related to linalool, though they share a similar name and both are used in fragrances.
Common questions
What is Linalyl Anthranilate in beauty products?
Linalyl anthranilate is a man-made chemical that smells like flowers and fruit. It's added to many beauty products to give them a pleasant scent. Because it's a fragrance ingredient, it can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of fragrance allergies.
What does Linalyl Anthranilate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, linalyl anthranilate does not provide any skincare benefit like moisturizing or protecting the skin. Its sole purpose is to impart a pleasant floral, fruity, or sweet scent to the product, enhancing the user's sensory experience.
Is Linalyl Anthranilate safe for most people?
Linalyl anthranilate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at low concentrations, but it is a known skin sensitizer and allergen. People with fragrance sensitivities should avoid it. Regulatory bodies in the EU require it to be labeled as an allergen.
Who should be careful with Linalyl Anthranilate?
Individuals with known fragrance allergies or sensitive skin Those with eczema, rosacea, or other skin conditions that make them prone to irritation
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.