Ingredient

Linalool

3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol

What it is

A naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in lavender, coriander and many essential oils, widely used as a fragrance ingredient.

How it works

Contributes a light floral scent to formulas; its oxidation products (peroxides, aldehydes), rather than linalool itself, are the main drivers of sensitization risk.

What it does

Fragrance

Concerns to know

Fragrance allergen

One of the EU-declarable fragrance allergens and a common cause of contact sensitivity for reactive skin.
Atopic-dermatitis trigger

A common trigger for eczema-prone and atopic skin; patch test and prefer soothing, barrier-supporting formulas.

Evidence at a glance

Worth knowing

Reflects its most significant known concern.

Why this rating

Fragrance allergen

Linalool is one of the fragrance allergens that EU Annex III/CosIng requires to be declared on the label above threshold concentrations, based on SCCS-reviewed sensitization data; this is a well-established, strong-evidence caution, particularly for oxidized linalool.
Atopic-dermatitis trigger

A common trigger for eczema-prone and atopic skin; patch test and prefer soothing, barrier-supporting formulas.