5.0
ISS Score
C — Moderate caution — review exposure context
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · preservative · flavoring agent
Methyl Benzoate
Also known as: Benzoic acid methyl ester, Methyl ester of benzoic acid
Molecular Formula
C8H8O2
Molecular Weight
136.15 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Methyl Benzoate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you have a history of allergies
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to benzoates
- you have asthma or respiratory issues
- you are using on children without consultation
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H8O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 136.15 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -12.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 199.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible at room temperature (in ethanol) |
| Density | 1.0837 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 2.1 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, creams. Use in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Generally safe in food applications at low levels.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Consult a healthcare provider for use in medications.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure good ventilation when using household products.
Supplement
Flavoring agents in supplements. Use only as directed in dietary supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Methyl Benzoate is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Methyl Benzoate can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and should be avoided.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of Methyl Benzoate vapors may cause respiratory irritation in high concentrations.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of irritation and adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data; caution is recommended.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with proper use.
- elderly — Generally safe but should be monitored.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to chemicals; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is advised. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Methyl Benzoate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
| 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 | SCCS Opinion (2014) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization reactions reported | 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
Methyl Benzoate is evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in food applications.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Methyl Benzoate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Methyl Benzoate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Methyl Benzoate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Methyl Benzoate is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Methyl Benzoate
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Methyl Benzoate is safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Methyl Benzoate is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Methyl Benzoate may cause irritation in sensitive individuals; patch testing is recommended.
Yes, Methyl Benzoate is generally recognized as safe for use in food flavoring at low concentrations.
Currently, there are no known restrictions on Methyl Benzoate in cosmetics or food in major jurisdictions.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:38:55.196453Z | — | 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.