Isoeugenol

is a widely used flavoring agent that belongs to the phenylpropanoids group of substances. Isoeugenol is a yellowish liquid with a distinct smell of clove. The substance is often found in nature together with eugenol. It is found in ylang-ylang oil, nutmeg oil, cloves and dill. Isoeugenol can also be found in dental material (seeeugenol below) and in flavored teas.

Isoeugenol is one of the most common sensitizing fragrances. It has a stronger sensitizing effect than eugenol. The usual test concentration in the epicutaneous test series is 1% (in Vaseline).

1. Fajemiroye JO et al (2014) Anxiolytic and antidepressant like effects of natural foodflavour (E)-methyl isoeugenol. Food Funct 5:1819-1828

2. Tanaka et al (2004): Contact allergy to isoeugenol and is derivatives: problems with allergen substitution. Contact Dermatitis 51: 288-291