67.0
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 · pH adjuster · antimicrobial agent · flavoring agent
BENZOIC ACID, 2-[[2-METHYL-3-[4-(1-
Category
organic acid
Bottom Line: Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in cosmetic formulations at low concentrations
- Ingested in food products within regulatory limits
- Applied to skin without prior irritation history
⚠ 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 broken or irritated skin
- Ingesting in large quantities beyond recommended limits
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, deodorants. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Soft drinks, pickles, jams. Permitted as a food preservative within limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, oral medications. Used in formulations; follow dosage guidelines.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal products. Consult healthcare provider for high doses.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to benzoic acid is generally low risk for most individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of benzoic acid can pose moderate risks, especially in high doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low to moderate risk, depending on concentration.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with benzoic acid can cause irritation, posing moderate risk.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to potential adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited safety data; caution advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with proper use.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitor for reactions.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on safety during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to benzoic acid effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is recommended. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but monitor for any adverse reactions. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Benzoic acid is widely used as a preservative and has a good safety profile when used appropriately.
| 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 | non-sensitizing | Human patch test | 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 as a preservative and has a good safety profile when used appropriately.
- Effective antimicrobial agent in food and cosmetics
- Generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies
- May cause allergic reactions 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: 2018
Conclusion: Safe for use in food at specified limits.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status List
Year: 2021
Conclusion: Permitted as a food additive under specified conditions.
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.
US
FDAPERMITTED
Limited to specific concentrations
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, but patch testing is advised for sensitive skin.
Yes, it's permitted in food at regulated levels, but avoid excessive intake.
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals; use with caution.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T18:12:24.301476Z | — | 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.