Beta-Caryophyllene

The Beauty & Personal Care Brand Builder Series

Ingredient Deep Dive

Beta-Caryophyllene

A Fragrance Component & Declared Allergen

Beta-Caryophyllene is a naturally-occurring aroma compound (a warm, woody-spicy terpene) found in clove, black pepper and many essential oils. In cosmetics it appears chiefly as a component of essential oils and added fragrance — not as a standalone active a formula is built around.

It is listed by name on ingredient labels because it is a recognized skin sensitizer: EU rules require declaring it when it exceeds 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products. That is why Beta-Caryophyllene often appears in an ingredient list even though it is part of the fragrance.

Quick Insights

Ingredient Rating:

CAUTION

Intended Function:

A naturally-occurring warm, woody-spicy terpene, used as a fragrance component; listed individually as an EU-declared allergen when present above regulatory thresholds.

Common Applications:

Encountered across scented skincare, body, hair and fragrance products, where it occurs within natural essential oils or added fragrance.

Target Audience:

Relevant to brands and consumers reviewing fragrance-allergen declarations, rather than to those selecting a standalone functional active.

Also Known As:

Beta-Caryophyllene

Safety Analysis

Beta-Caryophyllene is a recognized fragrance allergen (EU Annex III). When it exceeds 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products it must be declared by name on the ingredient list. It can cause sensitization in susceptible individuals, and oxidized material is more sensitizing — so it is best used fresh and within IFRA fragrance limits, with a fragrance-free option offered for sensitive-skin lines. As always, substantiate the finished product’s safety and labeling.

References

https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/beta-caryophyllene

https://cosmeticanalysis.com/cosmetic-ingredients/beta-caryophyllene

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caryophyllene

Ready to scale your next production run?

US-based private label, custom formulation, and contract manufacturing — GMP-certified and built to scale. We help established brands differentiate, reformulate, and secure reliable supply.

Explore product launch options for your brand today.

What is your primary goal?

Join the Brand Builder’s Newsletter

Sign up and access insider manufacturing strategy, product development tips, and resources to help you build a stronger brand.

Building something with this ingredient? We formulate and manufacture custom products for brands scaling in beauty and personal care. Explore our product development capabilities.