6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
solvent · fragrance ingredient · preservative · insect repellent
Benzyl Benzoate
Also known as: Benzoic acid, benzyl ester, Benzyl benzoate
Molecular Formula
C14H12O2
Molecular Weight
212.24 g/mol
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Benzyl benzoate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in recommended concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other topical medications
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to benzyl compounds
- you experience irritation or allergic reactions
- you are using on children without consulting a doctor
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C14H12O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 212.24 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 21.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 324.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible at room temperature (in ethanol) |
| Density | 1.1121 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 4.0 |
Common Use Cases
6 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, preservatives. Approved for food use in regulated amounts.
Pharmaceutical
Topical treatments, antiparasitic medications. Used in pharmaceuticals, follow dosage guidelines.
Household
Insect repellents, cleaning agents. Use in well-ventilated areas to avoid irritation.
Supplement
Not typically used in supplements. Not commonly found in dietary supplements.
Veterinary
Pet shampoos, flea treatments. Consult a vet before use on pets.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Benzyl Benzoate is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Benzyl Benzoate can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and should be avoided.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation; use in well-ventilated areas.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause severe irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of irritation and adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; caution is recommended.
- sensitive_skin — Increased likelihood of skin irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal side effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe but should be used cautiously.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; however, some may experience skin irritation. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to chemicals; risk of irritation is significant. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data; potential for transfer through milk. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may react adversely. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Benzyl benzoate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity but potential for skin irritation.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | Moderate irritant | Human patch test | Potential irritant | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | Positive in sensitization tests | Guinea pig maximization test | Potential sensitizer | EFSA Opinion (2015) |
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 benzoate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity but potential for skin irritation.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Potential skin irritant and sensitizer.
- Regulatory bodies support its safe use in specified applications.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Benzyl Benzoate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Benzyl benzoate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Benzyl Benzoate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Benzyl benzoate is safe for use in cosmetics with restrictions on concentration.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Benzyl Benzoate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Benzyl benzoate is acceptable as a food additive under specified conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Benzyl benzoate is permitted in the US, UK, and Canada, with restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Max concentration of 5% in cosmetics
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Benzyl benzoate is generally safe, but individuals with sensitive skin should patch test before use.
Yes, it is approved for use as a food additive under specific conditions.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:23:37.509699Z | — | 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.