QUININE is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-ALLERGEN-.
QUININE
Safety grade: C
Quinine is a bitter alkaloid compound originally derived from the bark of cinchona trees. In cosmetics, it's used in small amounts to add a bitter taste that discourages accidental ingestion of products.
Quinine serves as a denaturant to make products unpalatable, conditions hair by improving its texture and shine, and masks unpleasant odors in formulations.
Graded using: COSING.
- EU COSING — Restricted
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to QUININE
- GLYCERIN — Grade B. Humectant that conditions hair texture and shine; masks odors.
- DENATONIUM BENZOATE — Grade A. Bitter denaturant and odor masking agent; direct functional equivalent.
- THYMOL — Grade A. Natural denaturant with masking properties; conditions hair similarly.
Other EU Fragrance Allergen ingredients
- LIMONENE — Grade C
- LINALOOL — Grade C**
- BENZYL ALCOHOL — Grade C**
- CITRONELLOL — Grade C
- HEXYL CINNAMAL — Grade C
- GERANIOL — Grade C
Other Denaturant ingredients
- SODIUM HYDROXIDE — Grade B
- SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE — Grade C**
- EUGENOL — Grade C
- MENTHOL — Grade C
- SODIUM SALICYLATE — Grade A**
- POLYSORBATE 80 — Grade A
- CINNAMAL — Grade C