66.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
preservative · fragrance ingredient · solvent · emollient
BENZOIC ACID, 2-HYDROXY-, 2-ETHYLHEXYL ESTER
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in concentrations below regulatory limits
- not combined with known allergens
- applied to intact skin only
- used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in conjunction with other active ingredients
- applying to broken or irritated skin
- exposed to high temperatures during use
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor
- you have a known allergy to benzoic acid derivatives
- using on children without guidance
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Preserved fruits, soft drinks, condiments. Used as a preservative; safe within limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, oral medications. Used in formulations; consult a healthcare provider.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutritional bars. Generally safe, but check for allergies.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to this ingredient is generally well tolerated with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal irritation; moderate caution is advised.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk but may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact can cause significant irritation; immediate rinsing is recommended.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of irritation and adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; use with caution.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Low to moderate risk; consult healthcare provider.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults; monitor for any adverse reactions. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity in young children; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-ethylhexyl ester is commonly used in cosmetics and food as a preservative.
| 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 sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | EFSA Opinion (2012) |
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
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-ethylhexyl ester is commonly used in cosmetics and food as a preservative.
- Effective against bacteria and fungi.
- Regulatory reviews support its safety in specified uses.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Benzoic Acid and Its Salts
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on the safety of benzoic acid and its salts
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe in food applications.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Benzoic Acid and its Derivatives
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics with restrictions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory status is generally favorable across major jurisdictions with concentration limits. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
Limited to specific concentrations in food and cosmetics.
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics and food with concentration limits.
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Similar to EU regulations post-Brexit.
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Permitted in cosmetics and food with limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally safe when used within recommended concentrations, but patch testing is advised.
Yes, it is permitted as a preservative in food, but within specific limits.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation persists.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T18:15:03.877507Z | — | 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.