2.0
ISS Score
F — High concern — restricted or hazardous
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
preservative · pH adjuster · antimicrobial agent · flavoring agent
Benzoic Acid
Also known as: Carboxybenzene, Benzenecarboxylic acid, Phenylcarboxylic acid
Molecular Formula
C7H6O2
Molecular Weight
122.12 g/mol
Category
organic acid
Bottom Line: Benzoic acid is generally recognized as safe in low concentrations, though some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations (typically below 0.1% in cosmetics)
- not applied to broken skin
- used in food products within regulatory limits
- not combined with strong oxidizers
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using products containing multiple preservatives
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have a history of asthma or respiratory issues
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to benzoic acid or related compounds
- you have open wounds or skin conditions
- you are using high concentrations in cosmetics
- you experience irritation after use
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C7H6O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 122.12 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 122.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 249.0°C |
| Solubility | very soluble (in ethanol) |
| Density | 1.3 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 1.9 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, sunscreens. Generally safe in low concentrations; monitor for irritation.
Food
Soft drinks, pickles, jams. Permitted as a preservative; adhere to regulatory limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, antiseptics. Used as a preservative; ensure no allergies exist.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Safe in household products; avoid direct skin contact.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal extracts. Generally safe; consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Benzoic acid is generally safe for skin contact in low concentrations.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of benzoic acid can cause irritation and is limited in food use.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of benzoic acid dust may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to irritants and potential adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy necessitates caution.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated in cosmetic and food applications.
- elderly — Generally safe, but increased sensitivity may occur.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate benzoic acid well in cosmetic and food products. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of benzoic acid during pregnancy. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to benzoic acid exposure. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Minimal risk expected, but caution is advised. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but skin sensitivity may increase. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may react to benzoic acid. |
Toxicology Data
8 Endpoints
Benzoic acid is widely used as a preservative and has been assessed for safety in various applications.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 1700 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage (OECD 401/423) | Moderate toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment, EFSA, SCCS |
| LD50 Dermal | 5000 mg/kg | Rabbit - Dermal application (OECD 402) | Low toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment, EFSA, SCCS |
| Skin Irritation | mild | Draize test (OECD 404) | mild irritation potential | CIR Safety Assessment, EFSA, SCCS |
| Eye Irritation | moderate | Draize test (OECD 405) | moderate irritation potential | CIR Safety Assessment, EFSA, SCCS |
| Skin Sensitization | Non-sensitizer | Guinea pig maximization test (OECD 406) | Non-sensitizing | CIR Safety Assessment, EFSA, SCCS |
| Genotoxicity (Ames Test) | Negative | Bacterial reverse mutation assay (OECD 471) | Not mutagenic | CIR Safety Assessment, EFSA, SCCS |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Negative | Two-generation study (OECD 416) | No reproductive effects | CIR Safety Assessment, EFSA, SCCS |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified | Long-term carcinogenicity studies (OECD 451/453) | Not classifiable as carcinogenic | CIR Safety Assessment, EFSA, SCCS |
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 as a preservative and has been assessed for safety in various applications.
- Effective against bacteria and fungi.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- May cause 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 0.1%.
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 List
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted as a food additive; complies with safety standards.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Benzoic acid is generally permitted in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
Limited to specific concentrations in food and cosmetics.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics and food within specified limits.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Similar to EU regulations post-Brexit.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics and food under specific conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes, but monitor for any skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions; discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Regulatory limits vary by jurisdiction; generally, it is safe within established daily intake levels.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:20:24.286646Z | — | 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.