9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
UV filter · Fragrance · Solvent · Emollient
Benzyl Salicylate
Also known as: Salicylate de benzyle, Benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
Molecular Formula
C14H12O3
Molecular Weight
228.24 g/mol
Category
Fragrance ingredient
Bottom Line: Benzyl Salicylate is generally considered safe in cosmetics and household products, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in concentrations below 5%
- not applied to broken skin
- part of a well-formulated product
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using multiple fragrance products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to salicylates
- you experience irritation or allergic reactions
- you are using products for children
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C14H12O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 228.24 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 23.4°C |
| Boiling Point | 208.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible above 25� (in ethanol) |
| Density | 1.175 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 3.2 |
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, sunscreens. Use in moderation and check for skin reactions.
Pharmaceutical
Topical analgesics, ointments. Consult a healthcare provider for sensitive skin.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure good ventilation when using products.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Benzyl Salicylate is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Benzyl Salicylate can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and other adverse effects.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may cause respiratory irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort; caution is advised.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of adverse reactions due to skin sensitivity.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; potential risks should be evaluated.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of irritation and allergic responses.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but should be used cautiously.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; potential risks should be considered. |
| infants_children | Very High | Higher sensitivity to chemicals; potential for adverse reactions. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is advised. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Benzyl Salicylate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and household products, showing low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization reactions | FDA Regulatory Status (2021) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Benzyl Salicylate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and household products, showing low toxicity.
- Commonly used as a fragrance ingredient.
- Low acute toxicity and minimal irritation reported.
- Regulatory bodies support its safe use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Benzyl Salicylate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Benzyl Salicylate is safe as used in cosmetics.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Benzyl Salicylate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Benzyl Salicylate Regulatory Status
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Permitted in cosmetic formulations under FDA regulations.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Benzyl Salicylate is permitted in cosmetics across major jurisdictions with no significant restrictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and household products.
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should patch test products containing it.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with Benzyl Salicylate during pregnancy.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:25:38.942614Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.