Beauty Comparison
Shop by need
Eczema-prone skinRosacea-prone skinSensitive skinFragrance-freePerfume allergyAcne-prone skinFungal acnePsoriasisPregnancyDry skin
Buying guides
Fragrance-Free MoisturizersMoisturizers for Sensitive SkinMoisturizers for Acne-Prone SkinFragrance-Free CleansersFragrance-Free SunscreensFragrance-Free ShampoosCleansers for Sensitive SkinCleansers for EczemaCleansers for Acne-Prone SkinSunscreens for Sensitive Skin
Products
SkincareHaircareMakeupBodySun careMen's groomingBabyNailsFragranceTools
Ingredients
Tools
Free-from finderIngredient checker
Learn
SkincareHaircareMakeupNails, Body & FragranceHormones & Wellbeing
USCAUKDEFRITESNLPLSE

Ingredient dictionary

Anise Alcohol

Anise alcohol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that gives a product a sweet, floral, anise-like scent, and that is its main job. It is on the label of 1 product in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: the ingredient check flags it in the labelled fragrance allergens group, which covers 26 scent chemicals the EU makes brands name on the label, and it also turns up in products scented only with essential oils, so check this line if you react to one of them.

  • Labelled fragrance allergens. The 26 scent chemicals the EU makes brands name on the label, such as linalool and limonene.

What Anise Alcohol does

  • Gives a sweet, floral scent
  • Adds a soft anise-like note
  • Makes a styling product smell pleasant

Anise alcohol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient, usually made by chemical synthesis rather than taken from a plant. It has a sweet, floral scent with a soft anise-like note. Formulators add it to styling products to give them a pleasant smell.

It is used for scent, not for how the product works. It does not hold hair or change its texture, so the other ingredients handle that job. Its smell is noticeable, so people who avoid fragrance will want to check the label.

Good for

Suits people who like scented styling products and do not react to fragrance chemicals.

Frequently asked questions

Does anise alcohol cause allergies?

Anise alcohol is a fragrance ingredient, so it can cause reactions in people who are sensitive to scent. Most people tolerate it well. If you know you react to fragrance chemicals, check the label and speak with a dermatologist before trying the product.

Is anise alcohol in styling products on purpose?

Yes. It is added as a fragrance. Styling products use it to give a sweet, floral smell. It does not do the styling work itself. Hold, shape and feel come from other ingredients in the formula.

Products with Anise Alcohol

Affiliate