Description
Eugenol is a phenol, chemically described as Phenol, 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-. Phenols are organic compounds with a hydroxyl group bonded to an aromatic ring. Its INN name is eugenol and its European Pharmacopoeia name is eugenolum. It declares the technical functions denaturant, tonic and perfuming: broadly speaking, a perfuming ingredient takes part in the aroma of the formula; a denaturant is added to make the product unpleasant to taste, especially if it contains ethyl alcohol, and a tonic ingredient aims to produce a feeling of well-being on the skin and hair.
Eugenol appears in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, the list of substances restricted subject to conditions, under reference 71. The applicable conditions, transcribed literally, are: "The presence of the substance must be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1)g when its concentration exceeds: - 0.001% in leave-on products - 0.01% in rinse-off products". Above 0.001% in leave-on products, or 0.01% in rinse-off products, the substance must be declared in the list of ingredients. It corresponds to cosmetic restriction III/71.
In cosmetic formulations, ingredients with a perfuming function are incorporated to build or adjust the aromatic profile of the finished product, either as part of a fragrance composition or to mask the odor of other raw materials present in the formula. Denaturants typically appear in hydroalcoholic products, and tonic ingredients in skin and hair products focused on the sensation of use. The information presented is for technical reference only and does not constitute a recommendation for use or an efficacy claim.