Linalool
Linalool is a floral-scented compound found in lavender, bergamot, and many essential oils, added to products as fragrance. Like limonene it is an EU-labelled fragrance allergen that becomes more sensitising once oxidised by air, so it is flagged for fragrance allergy and sensitive skin.
Linalool is naturally present in lavender, rosewood, and citrus oils and is one of the most widely used fragrance ingredients. Fresh linalool rarely causes reactions, but air-oxidised linalool hydroperoxides are a frequent cause of positive patch tests.
It is listed in Annex III of EU Regulation 1223/2009 and must be declared by name above 0.001% (leave-on) or 0.01% (rinse-off). A fragrance allergy to oxidised linalool is common, and it can aggravate sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Who this affects
Caution
- Fragrance allergy: A labelled EU fragrance allergen; oxidised linalool is a frequent contact sensitiser.
- Sensitive skin & eczema: A common fragrance-derived irritant for reactive skin.
Frequently asked questions
Linalool is a common fragrance terpene with a floral scent, found naturally in herbs, flowers and woods (such as lavender and coriander) and also made synthetically. DermNet describes it as a fragrance chemical extracted from herbs, flowers and woods. It appears in a very large share of scented cosmetic and personal-care products.
Linalool is a recognised fragrance contact allergen, so EU law requires it to be named in the ingredient list rather than grouped under "parfum." Under Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 (amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009) it must be declared when it exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products, with compliance required by 31 July 2026.
Fresh linalool is a weak allergen, but oxidised linalool is one of the more common fragrance contact allergens. DermNet notes that roughly 10% of people patch-tested for suspected contact dermatitis react to the hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool. A dermatologist’s patch test is needed to confirm sensitisation.
Yes. Linalool auto-oxidises on contact with air, and DermNet states the resulting hydroperoxides are "much more potent sensitisers" than the parent fragrance. Because of this, an older or long-opened product can provoke a reaction that a freshly opened one did not.
Linalool is well tolerated by most people, but as a labelled fragrance allergen that becomes a stronger sensitiser once oxidised, people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin may prefer fragrance-free products or to avoid it. This is general guidance, not medical advice; patch testing by a dermatologist is the only way to confirm an allergy, and the label remains authoritative for whether linalool is present.