Description
Farnesol is an unsaturated alcohol, chemically described as 2,6,10-Dodecatrien-1-ol, 3,7,11-trimethyl-. It is a compound with a hydroxyl group, the feature that defines alcohols, a family that in cosmetics ranges from solvents to aromatic components. Its declared technical functions are deodorant and perfuming: in general terms, deodorant ingredients are used to reduce or mask body odors, and perfuming ones contribute to or modulate the olfactory profile of a formulation.
Under reference 82, Farnesol is part of Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which covers substances restricted subject to conditions. In their original wording, the conditions state: "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". The declaration threshold is lower for leave-on products (0.001%) than for rinse-off products (0.01%), and exceeding it requires the substance to be indicated in the list of ingredients. The cosmetic restriction associated with the ingredient is III/82.
As an ingredient with a perfuming function, it can be integrated into a fragrance composition or used to mask the odor of other components of the formula, so that it defines or corrects the aroma of the finished product. Body odor control products, such as deodorants and other personal hygiene items, are the typical field of deodorant ingredients. The information presented is for technical reference only and does not constitute a recommendation for use or an efficacy claim.