Anisole

Anisole in plain language

What it is

Also known as Methoxybenzene · Methyl phenyl ether · Phenyl methyl ether · 4-methoxybenzene · Anisol · Anizol

Show all 13 names

Hichemix MB · Methylphenyl ether · Methoxy-Benzene · Methoxybenzene; Phenol Methyl Ether · Phenol methyl ether · Phenoxymethane · m-Anisole

What it does

Used in cosmetics as a fragrance ingredient.

• Perfuming
• Flavouring agent
• Fragrance
• Flavouring

Is it a concern?

Moderate concern: no hazard classifications on record. It is listed for cosmetic use in the EU.

Why it's flagged

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 5 composition records across product categories including Raw materials, Laboratory supplies, Industrial products.

The score describes this ingredient's chemical identity — its hazard profile from published classifications and regulatory status — not the safety of any product it appears in.

• EU·EFSA·EFSA opinion2 entries

  • Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 59, Revision 1 (FGE.59Rev1): Consideration of aliphatic and aromatic ethers evaluated by JECFA (61st meeting and 63rd meeting) structurally related to aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives evaluated by EFSA in FGE.23 Rev2 (2010). EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF) (EFSA CEF)Source →
  • Flavouring Group Evaluation 59 (FGE.59): Consideration of aliphatic and aromatic ethers evaluated by JECFA (61st meeting) structurally related to aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives evaluated by EFSA in FGE.23 (2006) (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000 of 18 July 2000) (EFSA AFC)Source →
• EU·CosIng·ActiveListed in CosIng inventory for cosmetic use.

  • Listed in CosIng inventory for cosmetic use.Source →
• GLOBAL·JECFA·EvaluatedJECFA evaluation record.

  • JECFA evaluation record.Source →
• GLOBAL·JECFA·No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agentJECFA evaluation lists ADI No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent. Functional class: flavouring agent.

  • JECFA evaluation lists ADI No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent. Functional class: flavouring agent.Source →
• US·EPA·commercial use observedEPA CPDat observed this chemical in 5 composition records across product categories including Raw materials, Laboratory supplies, Industrial products. EPA CPDat classifies this chemical for functional uses including Fragrance, Flavouring and nutrient.

  • EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 5 composition records across product categories including Raw materials, Laboratory supplies, Industrial products. EPA CPDat classifies this chemical for functional uses including Fragrance, Flavouring and nutrient.Source →
• US·FDA·listed in openFDA substanceopenFDA substance registry classifies this ingredient as chemical.

  • openFDA substance registry classifies this ingredient as chemical.Source →

Expert safety opinions

Independent scientific assessments cited by the records we hold, with the year and link where the record gives one.

• SCCS

  EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety

  No SCCS opinion on file.

• CIR

  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US expert panel)

  No CIR safety assessment on file.

• EFSA

  European Food Safety Authority

  • Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 59, Revision 1 (FGE.59Rev1): Consideration of aliphatic and aromatic ethers evaluated by JECFA (61st meeting and 63rd meeting) structurally related to aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives evaluated by EFSA in FGE.23 Rev2 (2010). EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF) (EFSA CEF)

    2011 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →

  • Flavouring Group Evaluation 59 (FGE.59): Consideration of aliphatic and aromatic ethers evaluated by JECFA (61st meeting) structurally related to aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives evaluated by EFSA in FGE.23 (2006) (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000 of 18 July 2000) (EFSA AFC)

    2008 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →

• JECFA

  Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives

  • JECFA evaluation record.

    Year not recorded · GLOBAL JECFA listing · Read the source →

  • JECFA evaluation lists ADI No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent. Functional class: flavouring agent.

    Year not recorded · GLOBAL JECFA listing · Read the source →