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 · antimicrobial agent · pH adjuster · fragrance component
BENZOIC ACID, 2,4-DIHYDROXY-3,6-DIMETHYL-, METHYL
Category
organic acid
Bottom Line: Generally regarded as safe in low concentrations, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in cosmetic formulations at recommended concentrations
- consumed in food products within established limits
- applied to intact skin without prior irritation
- used in pharmaceutical products as directed
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have a history of skin sensitivities or allergies
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using other products containing similar acids
- you have a pre-existing medical condition
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to benzoic acid or related compounds
- you have open wounds or broken skin
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
- you are using it in high concentrations without guidance
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Preserved fruits, soft drinks, pickles. Generally safe in food at regulated levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, antiseptics. Follow dosage instructions to avoid adverse effects.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal products. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to benzoic acid is generally well tolerated with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Oral ingestion of benzoic acid is typically safe in small amounts, but excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure is generally low risk, but high concentrations may irritate respiratory pathways.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Ocular exposure may cause irritation; care should be taken to avoid contact with eyes.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Children may have heightened sensitivity to chemical exposures.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Adults generally tolerate benzoic acid with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Elderly individuals typically show good tolerance.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate benzoic acid well, with minimal adverse effects. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on long-term effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures; use with care. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Generally considered safe, but limited data on transfer through milk. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals typically tolerate benzoic acid well. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Benzoic acid is widely used for its preservative properties, with safety assessments indicating 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 | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human clinical study | No sensitization reactions reported | 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 is widely used for its preservative properties, with safety assessments indicating low toxicity.
- Effective as a preservative in food and cosmetics.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- 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
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Benzoic Acid
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe in food applications.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Generally recognized as safe when used as a food additive.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Benzoic acid is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with specific concentration limits. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
Max 0.5% in cosmetics
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Max 0.5% in cosmetics
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Max 0.5% in cosmetics
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally safe in low concentrations, though some may experience irritation.
Yes, it's permitted in food at regulated levels, but check for allergies.
Risks include potential skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T18:13:17.743860Z | — | 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.