Ingredients In Consumer Products Research Articles

Preliminary investigation into the impact of BPA on osteoblast activity and bone development: In vitro and in vivo models

Bisphenol A (BPA), an ingredient in consumer products, has been suggested that it can interfere with bone development and maintenance, whereas the molecule mechanism remains unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of BPA on early bone differentiation and metabolism, and its potential molecule mechanism by employing hFOB1.19 cell as an in vitro model, as well as larval zebrafish as an in vivo model. The in vitro experiments indicated that BPA decreased cell viability, inhibited osteogenic activity (such as ALP, RUNX2), increased ROS production, upregulated transcriptional or protein levels of apoptosis-related molecules (such as Caspase 3, Caspase 9), while suppressed transcriptional or protein levels of pyroptosis-specific markers (TNF-α, TNF-β, IL-1β, ASC, Caspase 1, and GSDMD). Moreover, the evidences from in vivo model demonstrated that exposure to BPA distinctly disrupted pharyngeal cartilage, craniofacial bone development, and retarded bone mineralization. The transcriptional level of bone development-related genes (bmp2, dlx2a, runx2, and sp7), apoptosis-related genes (bcl2), and pyroptosis-related genes (cas1, nlrp3) were significantly altered after treating with BPA in zebrafish larvae. In summary, our study, combining in vitro and in vivo models, confirmed that BPA has detrimental effects on osteoblast activity and bone development. These effects may be due to the promotion of apoptosis, the initiation of oxidative stress, and the inhibition of pyroptosis.

Detailed aggregate exposure analysis shows that exposure to fragrance ingredients in consumer products is low: Many orders of magnitude below thresholds of concern

The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) and Creme Global Cremeglobal.com partnered to develop an aggregate exposure model for fragrance ingredients. The model provides a realistic estimate of the total exposure of fragrance ingredients to individuals across a population. The Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) and Dermal Sensitization Threshold (DST) were used to demonstrate the magnitude of low exposure to fragrance materials. The total chronic systemic, inhalation, and dermal 95th percentile exposures on approximately 3000 fragrance ingredients in RIFM's inventory were compared to their respective TTC or DST. Additionally, representative fragrance ingredients were randomly selected and analyzed for exposure distribution by product type (i.e., cosmetic/personal care, household care, oral care, and air care) and route of exposure. It was found that 76 % of fragrance ingredients fall below their respective TTC limits when compared to 95th percentile systemic exposure, while 99 % are below inhalation TTC limits. The lowest 95th percentile aggregate exposure by product type was from household care products, then air care, and oral care products. The highest exposure was from personal care/cosmetic products. The volume of use for most fragrance ingredients (63 %) was <1 metric ton, estimating that environmental exposure to fragrance ingredients is likely low.

Application of AllerCatPro 2.0 for protein safety assessments of consumer products.

Foreign proteins are potentially immunogenic, and a proportion of these are able to induce immune responses that result in allergic sensitization. Subsequent exposure of sensitized subjects to the inducing protein can provoke a variety of allergic reactions that may be severe, or even fatal. It has therefore been recognized for some time that it is important to determine a priori whether a given protein has the potential to induce allergic responses in exposed subjects. For example, the need to assess whether transgene products expressed in genetically engineered crop plants have allergenic properties. This is not necessarily a straightforward exercise (as discussed elsewhere in this edition), but the task becomes even more challenging when there is a need to conduct an overall allergenicity safety assessment of complex mixtures of proteins in botanicals or other natural sources that are to be used in consumer products. This paper describes a new paradigm for the allergenicity safety assessment of proteins that is based on the use of AllerCatPro 2.0, a new version of a previously described web application model developed for the characterization of the allergenic potential of proteins. Operational aspects of AllerCatPro 2.0 are described with emphasis on the application of new features that provide improvements in the predictions of allergenic properties such as the identification of proteins with high allergenic concern. Furthermore, the paper provides a description of strategies of how AllerCatPro 2.0 can best be deployed as a screening tool for identifying suitable proteins as ingredients in consumer products as well as a tool, in conjunction with label-free proteomic analysis, for identifying and semiquantifying protein allergens in complex materials. Lastly, the paper discusses the steps that are recommended for formal allergenicity safety assessment of novel consumer products which contain proteins, including consideration and integration of predicted consumer exposure metrics. The article therefore provides a holistic perspective of the processes through which effective protein safety assessments can be made of potential allergenic hazards and risks associated with exposure to proteins in consumer products, with a particular focus on the use of AllerCatPro 2.0 for this purpose.

Chemistry of Isoeugenol and Its Oxidation Products: Mechanism and Kinetics of Isoeugenol as a Skin Sensitizer.

Structurally similar phytochemical compounds may elicit markedly different skin sensitization responses. Eugenol and isoeugenol are natural phenylpropanoids found in various essential oils are frequently used as fragrance ingredients in consumer products due to their pleasing aromatic properties. Both compounds are also skin sensitizers with isoeugenol being a stronger sensitizer than eugenol. The most commonly accepted mechanisms for haptenation by eugenol involve formation of a quinone methide or an ortho-quinone intermediate. The mechanism for the increased skin response to isoeugenol remains elusive, although quinone methide intermediates have been proposed. The recent identification of diastereomeric 7,4'-oxyneolignans as electrophilic, thiol-depleting isoeugenol derivatives has revived interest in the possible role of elusive reactive intermediates associated with the isoeugenol's haptenation process. In the present work, integrated non-animal skin sensitization methods were performed to determine the ability of syn-7,4'-oxyneolignan to promote haptenation and activation of further molecular pathways in keratinocytes and dendritic cells, confirming it as a candidate skin sensitizer. Kinetic NMR spectroscopic studies using dansyl cysteamine (DCYA) confirmed the first ordered nature of the nucleophilic addition for the syn-7,4'-oxyneolignan. Computational studies reaffirmed the "syn" stereochemistry of the isolated 7,4'-oxyneolignans along with that of their corresponding DCYA adducts and provided evidence for the preferential stereoselectivity. A plausible rationale for isoeugenol's strong skin sensitization is proposed based on the formation of a hydroxy quinone methide as a reactive intermediate rather than the previously assumed quinone methide.

Perfluorononanoate and Perfluorobutane Sulfonate Induce Cardiotoxic Effects in Zebrafish.

Globally, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are common artificial ingredients in industrial and consumer products. Recently, they have been shown to be an emerging human health risk. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)/perfluorononanoate and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS)/perfluorobutane sulfonate cause reproductive toxicity and hepatotoxicity, disrupt thyroid functions, and damage embryonic development in zebrafish. However, the cardiotoxic effects of PFNA and PFBS have not been fully established. We found that PFNA and PFBS exposures repress hatchability while increasing malformation and mortality in zebrafish embryos. Hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as assessment of the transgenic zebrafish line Tg(myl7:nDsRed) revealed that exposure of embryos to PFNA increases the occurrence of severe cardiac malformations relative to exposure to PFBS. Moreover, we evaluated the differential expressions of cardiac development-associated genes in response to PFNA and PFBS, which validated the potential cardiotoxic effects, consistent with cardiac dysfunctions. Overall, our findings reveal novel cardiotoxic effects of PFNA and PFBS in zebrafish, implying that they may exert some cardiotoxic effect in humans. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first study to show that PFNA exerts more severe cardiotoxic effects in zebrafish when compared with PFBS. Based on these findings, studies should evaluate the mechanisms of their cardiotoxic effects. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2527-2536. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Anti-Fine Dust Effect of Fucoidan Extracted from Ecklonia maxima Laves in Macrophages via Inhibiting Inflammatory Signaling Pathways.

Brown seaweeds contain fucoidan, which has numerous biological activities. Here, the anti-fine-dust activity of fucoidan extracted from Ecklonia maxima, an abundant brown seaweed from South Africa, was explored. Fourier transmittance infrared spectroscopy, high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection analysis of the monosaccharide content, and nuclear magnetic resonance were used for the structural characterization of the polysaccharides. The toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were evaluated. The results revealed that E. maxima purified leaf fucoidan fraction 7 (EMLF7), which contained the highest sulfate content, showed the best anti-inflammatory activity by attenuating the TLR-mediated NF-κB/MAPK protein expressions in the particulate matter-stimulated cells. This was solidified by the successful reduction of Prostaglandin E2, NO, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. The current findings confirm the anti-inflammatory activity of EMLF7, as well as the potential use of E. maxima as a low-cost fucoidan source due to its abundance. This suggests its further application as a functional ingredient in consumer products.

Predicting emerging chemical content in consumer products using machine learning

Chemical ingredients in consumer products are continually changing. To understand our exposure to chemicals and their consequent risk, we need to know their concentrations in products, or chemical weight fractions. Unfortunately, manufacturers rarely report comprehensive weight fraction data on product labels. The goal of this study was to evaluate the utility of machine learning strategies for predicting weight fractions when chemical constituent data are limited. A “data-poor” framework was developed and tested using a small dataset on consumer products containing engineered nanomaterials to represent emerging substances. A second, more traditional framework was applied to a “data-rich” product dataset comprised of bulk-scale organic chemicals for comparison purposes. Feature variables included chemical properties, functional use categories (e.g., antimicrobial), product categories (e.g., makeup), product matrix categories, and whether weight fractions were manufacturer-reported or experimentally obtained. Classification into three weight fraction bins was done using a random forest or nonlinear support vector classifier. An ablation study revealed that functional use data improved predictive performance when included alongside chemical property data, suggesting the utility of functional use categories in evaluating the safety and sustainability of emerging chemicals. Models could roughly stratify material-product observations into order of magnitude weight fractions with moderate success; the best of these achieved an average balanced accuracy of 73% on the nanomaterials product data. Framework comparisons also revealed a positive trend in sample size versus average balanced accuracy, suggesting great promise for machine learning approaches with continued investment in chemical data collection.

Gaining New Insights in Advanced Polymeric Materials Using Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography

Two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) offers new insights into modern polymeric materials such as biodegradable polymers, polymers made from renewable feedstock, and complex formulated systems. Advances in instrumentation and the development of new modulation techniques enable more combinations of different separation modes. Hyphenation with universal and information-rich detectors further enhances the versatility and flexibility of the analytical strategy. Detailed characterization of copolymer composition heterogeneity and identification of polymeric ingredients in complex consumer products are key highlights of new applications.

Understanding the Cytochrome P450‐Catalyzed Metabolism of Cannabidiol and the Implications for Hepatotoxicity

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring, non-psychotoxic phytocannabinoid that has gained public attention for its use as an active ingredient in many consumer products and for its recent FDA approval as Epidiolex® (CBD oral solution) in treating seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Epidiolex® has been associated with dose-dependent hepatotoxicity in clinical trials, and the risk is increased when Epidiolex® is given with valproate, another anti-epileptic drug known to cause liver injury. The mechanism of CBD-related hepatotoxicity, however, remains unknown. CBD is metabolized primarily by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 and CYP3A4, and by UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) to a lesser extent. The goals of this study were to characterize the roles of CYP enzymes in the metabolism of CBD with a focus on generation of the active metabolite 7-hydroxy-CBD (7-OH-CBD) and major inactive metabolite 7-carboxy-CBD (7-COOH-CBD), and to investigate the impact of CYP2C19 genotype on CBD metabolism in human liver microsomes (HLM). We also examined the effect of co-treatment with the nonselective CYP inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole and valproate on CBD metabolite generation in sandwich-cultured human hepatocytes (SCHH). Reaction phenotyping experiments using recombinant enzymes and HLM treated with CYP-selective chemical inhibitors indicated that CYP2C19 can sequentially metabolize CBD to 7-OH-CBD and 7-COOH-CBD. Although CYP3A was found to have a significant role in overall CBD clearance and 7-COOH-CBD formation, CYP3A was not involved in 7-OH-CBD generation. In addition, HLM from CYP2C19 poor metabolizers were found to have significantly higher 7-COOH-CBD generation compared to CYP2C19 rapid and ultrarapid metabolizers. In SCHH pre-treated with 1-aminobenzotriazole, formation of hydroxylated CBD metabolites was reduced, while CBD-glucuronide formation increased. Co-treatment with CBD and valproate in SCHH did not significantly alter the metabolic profile of CBD. Further work is needed to determine the mechanisms of CBD-related hepatotoxicity and the interaction between CBD and valproate.

Application of the dermal sensitization threshold concept to chemicals classified as high potency category for skin sensitization assessment of ingredients for consumer products

Skin sensitization evaluation is a key part of the safety assessment of ingredients in consumer products, which may have skin sensitizing potential. The dermal sensitization threshold (DST) concept, which is based on the concept of the thresholds of toxicological concern, has been proposed for the risk assessment of chemicals to which skin exposure is very low level. There is negligible risk of skin sensitization if a skin exposure level for the substance of interest was below the reactive DST which would protect against 95% of protein-reactive chemicals. For the remaining 5%, the substance with the defined knowledge of chemical structure (i.e., High Potency Category (HPC) rules) needs to be excluded from the application. However, the DST value for HPC chemicals has not yet been proposed. In this study, we calculated the 95th percentile probabilities estimate from distributions of skin sensitization potency data and derived a novel DST for HPC chemicals (HPC DST) of 1.5 μg/cm2. This value presents a useful default approach for unidentified substances in ingredients considering, as a worst-case scenario, that the unidentified compound may be a potent skin sensitizer. Finally, we developed a novel risk assessment workflow incorporating the HPC DST along with the previously published DSTs.

Risk communication for labeling all ingredients in consumer products

ABSTRACT The labeling of all ingredients contained in consumer products has been requested by consumers concerned regarding their safety. Consequently, regulatory agencies have set guidelines for industries on how to provide safety information regarding the ingredients in their products. However, discordant opinions were raised from stakeholders, resulting in the formation of a risk communication forum among industries, regulatory agencies, consumer groups, and academia. There are several methods that might be utilized to provide ingredient information to consumers: (1) listing all ingredients on the label of products, (2) providing major ingredients on the label of products, (3) presenting all ingredients on the websites of each manufacturer, and (4) listing major ingredients on the label of products and the remainder of ingredients (not on the label) on the websites. Each method might have its own advantages and disadvantages with respect to providing the information regarding the names of the ingredients used in consumer products to the consumers. A continuous risk communication forum might be an effective tool to facilitate an improved understanding of chemical information, toxicological science, regulatory guidelines, labeling methods, and consumers’ concern. This study suggests that risk communication efforts may be helpful and a good opportunity for stakeholders to exchange opinions and reach a harmonious conclusion on labeling of consumer products ingredients.

Enhancing Patient Compliance for Usage of Laundry Detergents Free of Dyes and Perfumes: Potential Impact of Better Cleaning Performance

Sensitive skin, an often self-reported condition, is characterized by an unpleasant sensory experience to a variety of consumer products. Certain ingredients in consumer products, such fragrances and dyes, are believed to exacerbate skin sensitivities. Due to an increased prevalence of people reporting sensitive skin, a variety of consumer products are formulated for people with this condition. A segment of commercially marketed laundry detergents, commonly known as free detergents, have been formulated without dyes and perfumes to accommodate skin sensitivities. In the US and Canada respectively, 80% and 97% of dermatologist recommend the use of free detergents for their patients with sensitive skin. However, consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with free detergents, with 39% reporting they are not satisfied with their free detergent’s cleaning performance. When people switch from the leading free laundry detergent, they will switch to a non-free detergent 60% of the time, going against dermatologist recommendations and potentially further aggravating their skin sensitivities. Recently, a survey of US households with sensitive skin showed that 98.8% said that they would be more likely to consistently use a detergent that cleans better. Herein are reported data showing Tide Pods Free &amp; Gentle outperformed other free detergents in cleaning across a wide variety of laundry stains and in SEM visual analysis of soil residues on fibers. It is postulated that the better cleaning detergent may help drive patient compliance with dermatologist recommendations for usage of a free detergent for their patients with sensitive skin.

Urushiol Compounds Detected in Toxicodendron-Labeled Consumer Products Using Mass Spectrometry

Urushiol, the culprit allergen in Toxicodendron plants such as poison ivy, is an oily mixture of 15 and 17 carbon side chain alk-(en)-yl catechols. Recently, consumer products have been identified that contain Toxicodendron as an ingredient on their label; however, no studies have assessed whether urushiol is indeed present within these products. The aim of the study was to determine whether urushiol compounds are present in consumer products labeled as containing Toxicodendron species. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were performed on 9 consumer products labeled as containing Toxicodendron species, including topical homeopathic remedies. Single ion monitoring gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was programmed in selective ion mode to detect 3-methylcatechol characteristic fragment ions of alk-(en)-yl catechols after silanization. Similarly, single ion monitoring liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was programmed to detect 4 urushiol pentadecylcatechols and 5 urushiol heptadecylcatechols using previously reported mass-to-charge ratios. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected alk-(en)-yl catechols in 67% (6/9) of the products tested. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detected multiple urushiol pentadecylcatechols and heptadecylcatechols in 44% (4/9) of the products tested. Alk-(en)-yl catechols and multiple urushiols were detected in consumer products listing Toxicodendron species as an ingredient. Clinicians should be aware of these known allergenic ingredients in consumer products.

Interactions of TiO2 Nanoparticles with Ingredients from Modern Lifestyle Products and Their Effects on Human Skin Cells.

The number of consumer products containing nanoparticles (NPs) experienced a rapid increase during the past decades. However, most studies of nanosafety have been conducted using only pure NPs produced in the laboratory, while the interactions with other ingredients in consumer products have rarely been considered so far. In the present study, we investigated such interactions—with a special focus on modern lifestyle products (MLPs) used by adolescents. An extensive survey was undertaken at different high schools all over Austria to identify MLPs that either contain NPs or that could come easily in contact with NPs from other consumer products (such as TiO2 from sunscreens). Based on the results from a survey among secondary schools students, we focused on ingredients from Henna tattoos (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphtoquinone, HNQ, and p-phenylenediamine, PPD), fragrances (butylphenyl methylpropional, known as Lilial), cosmetics and skin-care products (four different parabens). As a cellular model, we decided to use neonatal normal human dermal fibroblasts (nNHDF), since skin contact is the main route of exposure for these compounds. TiO2 NPs interacted with these compounds as evidenced by alterations in their hydrodynamic diameter observed by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Combinations of TiO2 NPs with the different MLP components did not show altered cytotoxicity profiles compared to MLP components without TiO2 NPs. Nevertheless, altered cellular glutathione contents were detected after incubation of the cells with Lilial. This effect was independent of the presence of TiO2 NPs. Testing mixtures of NPs with other compounds from consumer products is an important approach to achieve a more reliable safety assessment.

Triclocarban Exposure Exaggerates Spontaneous Colonic Inflammation in Il-10-/- Mice.

Triclocarban (3,4,4'-trichlorocarbanilide, TCC) is a high-volume chemical used as an antimicrobial ingredient in many consumer and personal care products. In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration removed TCC from over-the-counter hand washing products. However, TCC remains approved to use in many other products and is a ubiquitous contaminant in the environment; furthermore, many common food crops can efficiently accumulate environmental TCC, resulting in potential human exposure through oral ingestion of contaminated food products. Therefore, human exposure to TCC could be a long-lasting and serious problem. A better understanding of its impact on human health could lead to important impact for public health and regulatory policy. Using a spontaneous colonic inflammation model in Il-10-/- mice, here we demonstrate that exposure to TCC, at doses relevant to human exposure, exaggerates spontaneous colonic inflammation in Il-10-/- mice, with reduced colon length, increase fecal concentration of lipocalin 2, enhanced gene expression of Il-6 and Ifn-γ in the colon, and exaggerated crypt damage in the colon. Collectively, these results support that TCC could be a potential environmental risk factor of colitis and associated gut diseases.

Triclocarban exposure exaggerates colitis and colon tumorigenesis: roles of gut microbiota involved

ABSTRACT Triclocarban (TCC) is a widely used antimicrobial ingredient in consumer products and is a ubiquitous contaminant in the environment. In 2016, the FDA removed TCC from over-the-counter handwashing products, but this compound is still approved for use in many other personal care products. A better understanding of its impact on human health could lead to significant impact for public health and regulatory policies. Here we show that exposure to low-dose TCC exaggerated the severity of colitis and exacerbated the development of colitis-associated colon tumorigenesis, via gut microbiota-dependent mechanisms. Exposure to TCC increased dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)- and interleukin 10 (IL-10) knockout-induced colitis, and exaggerated azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS-induced colon tumorigenesis in mice. Regarding the mechanisms, TCC exposure reduced the diversity and altered the composition of gut microbiota and failed to promote DSS-induced colitis in mice lacking the microbiota, supporting that the presence of the microbiota is critical for the pro-colitis effects of TCC. Together, these results support TCC could be a novel risk factor for colitis and colitis-associated colon cancer, and further regulatory policies on this compound could be needed.

Household preferences when purchasing handwashing liquid soap: A choice experiment application

Limited information is provided on the potential impacts of ingredients in consumer products to assist individuals to purchase household products. This study applied the choice experiment technique to examine the preferences of 385 New Zealand households on their purchasing choice of liquid soap for handwashing. Results from the choice experiment survey, conducted in December 2016 to March 2017, indicated that a typical respondent from the full sample would be willing to pay premium prices for a bottle of liquid soap that is certified to be environmentally friendly (NZ$3.20), hypo-allergenic (NZ$2.90), contains natural ingredients (NZ$2.10), and has antibacterial properties (NZ$1.40). However, by dividing the full sample into four latent classes, a typical respondent in one class would pay NZ$1.88 to avoid the antibacterial activity. This study highlights the importance of accounting for preference heterogeneity across latent classes or respondent sub-groups to better understand preferences and awareness of ingredients in liquid soaps, such as antibacterial chemicals, that can pose environmental and health risks.

Empowering citizens to manage their chemical exposures step 1 ‐ identify ingredients in consumer products

ABSTRACTOur choices around consumer products directly influence our amount of chemical exposure. Although access to chemicals within individual products are available, we often use multiple products so ingredient names must be harmonized to accurately estimate cumulative exposure. We evaluated the accuracy and coverage of two strategies, PubChem and tmChem, with respect to a database of 55K products. More than half of the ingredients identified by PubChem were specific chemical names (55%), followed by natural or artificial colors (20%) and plants or plant derivatives (13%). The majority of ingredients identified by tmChem were chemical names (83.9%). Only 1,696 of the 8,247 (20.56%) were identified by both systems. Although tmChem had better coverage, ~70% of ingredients identified by tmChem need further work to align with a specific chemical. Both strategies are needed to provide an accurate, personalized, and cumulative measure of chemical exposure.

Situating anticipation in everyday life: Using sensory methods to explore public expectations of synthetic biology.

Public involvement in technological anticipation is a common feature of contemporary sociotechnical innovation. However, most engagements abstract sociotechnical futures, rather than situating them in the everyday practices in which people are routinely engaged. Recent developments in synthetic biology have established the potential for ‘drop in’ replacements for ingredients in consumer products, particularly in flavour and fragrance markets. This article explains how a sensory methodology can be used to explore citizens’ everyday experiences and how these can be used to ground anticipation of possible sociotechnical futures. The article uses a socio-historical approach to analyse and compare two practice domains – caring for families and hygiene and personal care – to show how biosynthetic futures can disrupt existing relations between people, objects and ideas. The implications for conceptualising publics in synthetic biology and for approaches to public engagement and participation are discussed more broadly.

Everyday Uncertainty Work: Making Sense of Biosynthetic Menthol

Although much public engagement with the field of “synthetic biology” has been conducted, there remains little work that develops an appreciation of how people make sense of this field and its concomitant promised futures from within their everyday lives. Using a case study, based on the compound “menthol” (a terpenoid from plants) which synthetic biologists have developed for production in E. coli, we explore how people make sense of uncertainties in promised or feared futures. Menthol is already an ingredient in many consumer products and the pre-existing use of such products may frame people’s everyday techniques for understanding biosynthetic menthol, with implications for their appreciation of synthetic biology more generally. We adopted a range of sensory methods, including “pop-up” stalls, sketch research, object elicitation interviews and home tours, to explore the everyday situations in which menthol already figures. Participants used a range of strategies, including deferring judgment, invoking other actors as mediators, using their own bodily experiences and using existing moral repertoires, to respond to biosynthetic possibilities. We deploy the concept of “everyday uncertainty work” and show that it is a useful one for understanding how people’s everyday epistemic cultures of uncertainty are routinely adapted to the anticipation of sociotechnical uncertainties, such as those that accompany promissory accounts of science. The implications for these findings for public engagement with technoscience and uncertainty are discussed.