Ingredient dictionary

Anethole

Anethole is a naturally occurring aromatic compound that gives anise and fennel their sweet, licorice-like scent. In skincare and makeup, its main job is to add that scent. It is on the label of 3 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Anethole does

Adds a sweet, anise-like scent
Blends with other fragrance notes
Gives products a warm, licorice-like aroma

Anethole is a natural aromatic compound, meaning a molecule that carries a strong scent. It is found in the essential oils of star anise, anise seed and fennel, which is why these plants smell so much like licorice. Some anethole comes straight from those oils, and some is made to match the same molecule.

Formulators use anethole to give a product a sweet, warm, licorice-like scent. It blends well with citrus, spice and floral notes, so it can round out a fragrance. Because the aroma is fairly strong, a small amount goes a long way. You will find it in perfumes, lotions, shampoos and makeup, wherever a sweet anise note is wanted.

Good for

Suits anyone who likes a warm, sweet, licorice-style scent in their routine.

Frequently asked questions

Is anethole safe for sensitive skin?

Beauty Comparison does not flag anethole in any safety group. Still, any strong scent can bother sensitive skin. If fragrance tends to irritate you, choose unscented products or patch test a new one first.

Is anethole good for skin?

Anethole is mainly a scent ingredient. It is added for how a product smells rather than for a specific skin job. For results, look at the other ingredients on the label, since they do most of the work.