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)
—
fragrance ingredient · preservative · solvent · emollient
BENZOIC ACID, HEXYL ESTER
Category
ester
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 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
- applying to large areas of skin
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor
- you have a known allergy to benzoic acid or its derivatives
- using on open wounds or irritated skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Use in moderation and patch test for sensitivities.
Food
Preserved fruits, soft drinks, condiments. Generally safe in food at regulated levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Consult a healthcare provider for medicinal use.
Household
Cleaning agents, air fresheners. Ensure good ventilation when using household products.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, nutritional bars. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to benzoic acid, hexyl ester is generally low risk for skin contact.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of benzoic acid, hexyl ester may pose moderate risks, especially in large amounts.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low to moderate risk, depending on concentration and duration.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with benzoic acid, hexyl ester can cause irritation and is considered high risk.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposure may lead to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated in healthy adults.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but individual responses may vary.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults with no significant health issues. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposure. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Benzoic acid, hexyl ester is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, with some potential for irritation.
| 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 | Rabbit - Draize test | Not a skin irritant | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Guinea pig - Maximization test | Not a sensitizer | 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, hexyl ester is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, with some potential for irritation.
- Widely used as a preservative and fragrance.
- Regulatory bodies have assessed its safety.
- 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 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: 2015
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 assessments generally support safe use in cosmetics and food. 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 at regulated levels.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Regulated similarly to EU standards.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics and food at regulated levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products with this ingredient during pregnancy.
Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T18:18:40.238878Z | — | 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.