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Annex III Entry 346 03/10/2023

Vanillin

4-Hydroxy- 3-methoxybenz- aldehyde

Vanillin is listed in Annex III and may only be used under the conditions shown in this record.

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Restricted substance— Annex III, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 346

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 121-33-5
CAS 121-33-5PubChem CID 1183

Vanillin

Vanillin is a member of the class of benzaldehydes carrying methoxy and hydroxy substituents at positions 3 and 4 respectively. It has a role as an antioxidant, a flavouring agent, an anticonvulsant, an anti-inflammatory agent and a plant metabolite. It is a member of benzaldehydes, a monomethoxybenzene and a member of phenols. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde
Molecular formula
C8H8O3
Molecular weight
152.15 g/mol
Exact mass
152.047344113 Da
XLogP3
1.2
Topological polar surface area
46.5 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
3
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Vanillic aldehydeVanillaldehydep-VanillinVanillineLioxin3-Methoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehydeBenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-
16 more reported names
4-Hydroxy-m-anisaldehyde2-Methoxy-4-formylphenolZimcop-Hydroxy-m-methoxybenzaldehyde4-Formyl-2-methoxyphenolMethylprotocatechuic aldehyde4-Hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehydem-Anisaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-Protocatechualdehyde, methyl-RhovanilFEMA No. 3107vanilineProtocatechualdehyde 3-methyl etherOleoresin vanillam-Methoxy-p-hydroxybenzaldehydeVanillin Melting Point Standard
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match1183

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 1.8% (42 of 2387) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H317 (14.3%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (83.5%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264+P265, P272, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P321, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 2387 reports by companies from 28 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 42 of 2387 reports by companies.; There are 27 notifications provided by 2345 of 2387 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H411 (100%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P264, P270, P273, P301+P317, P330, P391, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: The GHS information provided by 1 company from 1 notification to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H402: Harmful to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P264+P265, P273, P305+P351+P338, P337+P317, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Signal: Warning Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION: Small quantities of vanillin are used in perfumery to round and fix sweet, balsamic fragrances. Vanillin is also used as a brightener in galvanotechnical processes and is an important intermediate in, for example, the production of pharmaceuticals such as l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) and methyldopa. For vanillin (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 115801) there are 0 labels match. /Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Pharmaceutic aid (flavor). As a flavoring agent in confectionery, beverages, foods and animal feeds. Fragrance and flavor in cosmetics. Reagent for synthesis. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: In closed-patch tests on human skin vanillin caused no primary irritation when tested at concentrations of 20% on 29 normal subjects, at 2% on 30 normal subjects, and at 0.4% on 35 subjects with dermatoses. Maximization tests were conducted on groups of 25 volunteers. The material was tested at concentrations of 2 and 5% in petrolatum and produced no sensitization reactions. Vanillin was considered to be a secondary all Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for vanillin(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.37(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 10(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that vanillin is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of vanillin is 7.4(3), indicating that this compound will exist partially in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of the neutral species from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.2X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 1.18X10-4 mm Hg(5), and water solubility, 1.102X10+4 mg/L(6). Vanillin is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its estimated vapor pressure(5). A 97% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(7) suggests that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 10(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that vanillin is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.2X10-9 atm-cu m/mole(4) derived from its vapor pressure, 1.18X10-4 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 1.102X10+4 mg/L(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.37(7) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). A 97% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test(8) suggests that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), vanillin, which has a vapor pressure of 1.18X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase vanillin is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 14 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.7X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase vanillin may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Vanillin contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Sources/Uses: Found in foods and plants; Used as a flavoring agent and fragrance; [Merck Index] Used as a chemical intermediate, fuel additive, odor agent, and anti-UV agent; [IUCLID] In the group of essential oils with active product registrations in the US for uses as insect feeding depressants, insecticides, and repellants; Used to control clothes moths and fleas; [EPA REDs] Used in attractants for the control of flies, roaches, and crickets; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For vanillin (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 115801) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Pharmaceutic aid (flavor). As a flavoring agent in confectionery, beverages, foods and animal feeds. Fragrance and flavor in cosmetics. Reagent for synthesis. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Source of L-dopa. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: The single largest use for vanillin is as a starting material for the manufacture of an antihypertensive drug having the chemical name of methyldopa or L-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylalanine. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for VANILLIN (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Other restrictions

The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.

INCI glossary name

Vanillin

Chemical name

4-Hydroxy- 3-methoxybenz- aldehyde

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EU) 2023/1545

See every entry this act set

Identified ingredients

Key data

CAS
121-33-5
EC
204-465-2
Annex
III
Entry number
346

Inventory links for Vanillin

Inventory Identified ingredient
Ref 38868

VANILLIN

CAS: 121-33-5
EC: 204-465-2

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex III are shown as well.

Annex III 343
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EC: 208-194-0
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CAS: 11031-45-1/ 115-71-9/ 77-42-9
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Annex III 340
Nearby record in the same annex

Salicylaldehyde

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What Annex III means for Vanillin

Vanillin is a restricted substance under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Its use in cosmetics is only permitted under the specific conditions set out in the entry above, including applicable concentration limits, product type restrictions and required warning statements.

When including this substance in a formulation, all conditions — maximum concentration, product scope and warning labels — must be met simultaneously. Compliance with one condition does not override the others.

This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Document conditions of use in the Product Information File (PIF).

Frequently asked questions

Vanillin is listed in Annex III of EU Regulation 1223/2009 as a restricted substance. It may only be used under the conditions specified in the entry, including any maximum concentration, product type limitation and required warning statements shown above.

CAS 121-33-5 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Vanillin by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex III record Vanillin

This page summarizes one Annex III record for Vanillin from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex III conditions for Vanillin, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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