Ingredient review
Methyl Anthranilate
INCI: METHYL ANTHRANILATE
Methyl anthranilate is a grape-like scent ingredient that is generally safe at low levels but may cause skin sensitivity in some people.
In plain English
Methyl anthranilate is a compound that smells like grapes or orange blossoms. It is added to many beauty products to give them a pleasant scent. While it is considered safe in small amounts, it can sometimes irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions. It is not a moisturizer or active treatment ingredient—its only job is to make products smell nice.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Methyl Anthranilate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
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 Methyl 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
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
Methyl anthranilate is an ester naturally found in many plants, including grapes, citrus blossoms, and jasmine. It is often used as a synthetic fragrance ingredient to replicate a sweet, fruity, floral scent.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, methyl anthranilate works solely as a fragrance component. It does not hydrate, exfoliate, or protect the skin. It evaporates from the skin's surface, leaving behind a pleasant scent. It may also be used in very small amounts to mask the odor of other raw materials.
Pros
Pleasant natural scent
Methyl anthranilate has a sweet, grape-like aroma that many find appealing, making products more enjoyable to use.
Low irritation potential for most
At typical usage levels, it is considered safe and non-irritating for the majority of people without fragrance sensitivities.
Cons and cautions
No skincare benefit
This ingredient adds only scent—it does not moisturize, soothe, or improve skin health, so it is unnecessary in a treatment-focused routine.
Can trigger allergies
Like many fragrance ingredients, methyl anthranilate may cause contact dermatitis or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially with repeated use.
Best for
- People who enjoy scented beauty products
- Those without fragrance sensitivities or allergies
Use caution if
- Individuals with known fragrance allergies or sensitive, reactive skin
Usage tips
Safety summary
Methyl anthranilate is generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use at low concentrations. However, it is a known allergen for a small percentage of people, and those with fragrance sensitivities should avoid it. Regulatory bodies like IFRA restrict its maximum usage to reduce irritation risk.
Research notes
Research indicates methyl anthranilate has low acute toxicity and is not a significant skin irritant in most people. However, patch test studies show it can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. It is not a carcinogen or endocrine disruptor based on current evidence.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at very low concentrations (under 1%) in leave-on and rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other countries. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) sets usage limits to minimize sensitization risk.
- Common uses
- Fragrances, Perfumes, Scented lotions, Body washes
- Environmental note
- Methyl anthranilate is biodegradable and not considered a major environmental concern at cosmetic usage levels, though synthetic production may have a small carbon footprint.
Good to know
- Methyl anthranilate is also used as a bird repellent in agriculture, but the concentrations in cosmetics are far lower and considered safe for human use.
- It is listed on ingredient labels simply as 'Fragrance' or 'Parfum' in many products, so it may not appear by name.
Common questions
What is Methyl Anthranilate in beauty products?
Methyl anthranilate is a compound that smells like grapes or orange blossoms. It is added to many beauty products to give them a pleasant scent. While it is considered safe in small amounts, it can sometimes irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions. It is not a moisturizer or active treatment ingredient—its only job is to make products smell nice.
What does Methyl Anthranilate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, methyl anthranilate works solely as a fragrance component. It does not hydrate, exfoliate, or protect the skin. It evaporates from the skin's surface, leaving behind a pleasant scent. It may also be used in very small amounts to mask the odor of other raw materials.
Is Methyl Anthranilate safe for most people?
Methyl anthranilate is generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use at low concentrations. However, it is a known allergen for a small percentage of people, and those with fragrance sensitivities should avoid it. Regulatory bodies like IFRA restrict its maximum usage to reduce irritation risk.
Who should be careful with Methyl Anthranilate?
Individuals with known fragrance allergies or sensitive, reactive skin
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.