What it is
Farnesol is a colorless liquid sesquiterpene alcohol that occurs naturally in many essential oils and floral extracts. In finished formulas it contributes a soft, sweet floral aroma and is also used to round out and fix other fragrance notes. It has a long history of use in perfumery and is found across a wide range of personal care products.
Safety & warnings
Farnesol is one of the fragrance allergens that the EU requires to be declared by name on the ingredient list when present above set thresholds, because it can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. People with known fragrance sensitivity may prefer to avoid products containing it. As an oxidizable terpene alcohol, its allergenic potential can increase with air exposure over time.
Origin & sourcing
Farnesol occurs naturally in the essential oils of plants such as rose, neroli, citronella, and tuberose. It can be obtained from botanical sources or produced synthetically for fragrance use.
History
Farnesol has been used in perfumery for over a century as a floral note and as a fixative that helps blend and extend other fragrance materials.
Questions everyone asks
Why is farnesol in my sunscreen?
It is used in small amounts as a fragrance ingredient to provide a soft floral scent and to help blend other fragrance notes in the product.
Is farnesol a known allergen?
Yes. It is one of the fragrance substances that must be labeled by name in the EU because it can cause allergic reactions in sensitized people.