Coumarin — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: COUMARIN
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 91-64-5
- Category
- fragrance
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- Yes
- Found In
- perfume, soap, shampoo
Is Coumarin safe in cosmetics?
Coumarin is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. EU-regulated fragrance allergen. Hepatotoxic at high doses. Safer alternatives include Fragrance-free products, Essential oil-free formulations. Commonly found in perfume, soap, shampoo.
What is Coumarin?
Coumarin is a fragrance commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It has a moderate risk of causing skin irritation or sensitization in some people.
Allergy & Safety Information
Coumarin is generally safe for most people but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
About Fragrance Component Ingredients
Fragrance ingredients are added to cosmetics for scent or to mask the odour of raw materials. The EU requires 26 specific fragrance allergens to be listed individually on labels when present above threshold concentrations. Fragrance (listed as "parfum") is the single most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis worldwide.
Relevance for Coumarin: Even products labelled "unscented" may contain masking fragrances. True fragrance-free products list no perfuming ingredients at all. If you are fragrance-sensitive, check for "parfum," "fragrance," and all 26 EU-listed fragrance allergens on any product label.
How to Identify Coumarin in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Coumarin, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Perfume, Soap, Shampoo. These product categories are the most common sources of Coumarin exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Coumarin? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Coumarin and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coumarin safe for sensitive skin?
Coumarin may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Coumarin?
Coumarin is commonly found in perfume, soap, shampoo.
What does Coumarin do in cosmetics?
Coumarin functions as a fragrance in formulations.
Related Guides
Top 10 Cosmetic Allergens
Is Coumarin on the list? See the full clinical ranking.
Fragrance-Free Skincare Guide
Why fragrance is the #1 cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis.
How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Coumarin causing YOUR skin reactions?
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