Linalool
Linalool is a floral-scented substance found naturally in many plants such as lavender, bergamot, coriander and basil. In the EU it is one of the fragrance allergens that must be listed separately on the label above a certain threshold. Fresh, it is a weak allergen; the real risk comes from the compounds that form when it oxidises on contact with air.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
At the lower end in rinse-off products and formulas protected by antioxidants; it moves towards the upper end in leave-on fragranced products and in old products or products left open.
It is found in scented detergents and fabric softeners; for people with a fragrance allergy, residue left on laundry and prolonged contact define the upper end.
What is linalool and what is it used for?
Linalool is a terpene alcohol found in a great many plants in nature. It is one of the main components of lavender oil and gives a sweet, floral, slightly fresh scent. In cosmetics and cleaning products it is used both via natural essential oils and in its pure, synthetically produced form.
Seeing linalool on a label does not necessarily mean it was added to the product separately; it may have been listed because it is present in the product's fragrance blend or in an essential oil such as lavender.
Which products contain it?
- Perfumes, deodorants and eau de cologne
- Scented creams, lotions, shampoos and shower gels
- “Natural” cosmetics with lavender or citrus essential oils
- Laundry detergents, fabric softeners, surface cleaners and air fresheners
Is it harmful? The scientific assessment
Pure, fresh linalool is a weak allergen for the skin. However, when it comes into contact with oxygen in the air, it slowly oxidises and forms compounds called hydroperoxides. These oxidation products are much stronger sensitisers. In patch tests with oxidised linalool in dermatology clinics, a not insignificant proportion of positive results has been reported among patients with eczema.
In the general population, however, reactions linked to linalool are uncommon. The main factors that increase the risk are a product being left open for a long time, being stored in the heat and being used frequently in leave-on products. This is why manufacturers add antioxidants such as tocopherol to formulas to slow oxidation.
Linalool is not classified as a carcinogen or an endocrine disruptor. Its use in cosmetics is unrestricted in the EU; it only has to be listed by name on the label above a certain threshold. This threshold is lower for leave-on products.
Who should be careful?
- People with a fragrance allergy or a linalool sensitivity shown in a patch test: They should choose fragrance-free products and also check for essential oils such as lavender.
- People with eczema or sensitive skin: For leave-on products, fragrance-free options carry less risk.
- People who apply essential oils directly to the skin: Undiluted and old oils carry a greater risk of allergy.
What to do when you see it on a label
If you don't have an allergy, you can continue to use products containing linalool. Storing products with the lid closed in a cool, dark place and paying attention to the expiry date reduces oxidation. If you have a fragrance allergy, look in the ingredient list for other allergens such as limonene as well as linalool.
Frequently asked questions
Is linalool natural or synthetic?
It can be either. It occurs naturally in plants such as lavender and is also produced synthetically in industry; its chemical structure is the same.
Why is it listed separately on the label?
Because it is one of the fragrance allergens that must be declared in the EU, it has to be listed by name in the ingredient list above a certain threshold. This does not mean it is harmful; it is information for people with an allergy.
Does lavender oil cause allergies?
It can in some people. Lavender oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate; oxidised oils in particular can cause contact allergy.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.