Anise Alcohol
INCI: ANISE ALCOHOL
Also known as: Anise Alcohol
A fragrance ingredient that adds aromatic character to skincare products
At a glance
Things to be aware of
Best For Skin Types
All
Usage Frequency
As tolerated
What Is Anise Alcohol?
Anise alcohol is an aromatic compound belonging to the aryl alkyl alcohol family of fragrance materials. It is a primary alcohol with a benzene ring structure, naturally derived from or synthetically produced to mimic components found in anise and related plants. In skincare formulations, its primary function is perfuming — adding scent and sensory appeal to products.
This ingredient is found in a relatively small proportion of skincare products (roughly 0.2%), typically used at low concentrations to contribute to the overall fragrance profile rather than serve a direct skincare function.
How It Works
Anise alcohol functions as a volatile aromatic compound. When applied to skin, it releases fragrance molecules that are perceived by olfactory receptors, creating the sensory experience of scent. The compound itself does not exert direct therapeutic effects on skin; rather, it serves a cosmetic and sensory role in the formulation.
Clinical Evidence & References
Research on anise alcohol has focused primarily on toxicological and dermatological safety when used as a fragrance ingredient. Available evidence suggests the ingredient has been assessed within established safety frameworks for fragrance materials used in cosmetics.
However, there is limited clinical evidence regarding direct skincare benefits. The ingredient is included in formulations for its fragrance properties rather than for proven skin-conditioning or treatment effects.
How to Use
Anise alcohol is used by formulators rather than consumers directly — it is incorporated into finished products at the manufacturing stage. If using a product containing this ingredient, apply as directed by the product instructions. If you have a known sensitivity to fragrance materials or anise-related compounds, patch test before full application or consider fragrance-free alternatives.
Safety & Precautions
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- ANISE ALCOHOL
- EC Number
- 203-273-6
- Function
- Perfuming
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