68.0
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 · pH adjuster · solvent
BENZOIC ACID, 2-HYDROXY-, METHYL 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 recommended limits
- Not applied to broken skin
- Used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- Using in combination with other active ingredients
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to benzoic acid
- Using on open wounds or irritated skin
- Ingesting in large quantities
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Use in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Food
Soft drinks, jams, pickles. Generally safe in food at regulated levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, prescription creams. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal products. Use as directed; consult a doctor if unsure.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to methyl ester of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid is generally well tolerated with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of this compound may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in some individuals.
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: Low
Eye contact may cause mild irritation, but serious effects are unlikely based on available evidence.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures may lead to adverse effects.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse reactions.
- elderly — Generally low risk, but individual sensitivities should be monitored.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, methyl ester is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low risk.
| 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 | Not a skin irritant | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (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-, methyl ester is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low risk.
- Effective preservative in various products.
- Low toxicity levels reported.
- 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: 2014
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe for food use.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status List
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Permitted as a food additive under specific conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory status is generally favorable across major jurisdictions with specific 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 at regulated levels.
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Regulated under UK food and cosmetic laws.
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics and food with concentration limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally safe when used within recommended concentrations, though some may experience irritation.
Yes, it is permitted in food at regulated levels, but excessive consumption should be avoided.
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 | 2026-04-19T18:17:47.564724Z | — | 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.