Benzyl salicylate traces back to the late nineteenth century, birthed in the surge of organic chemistry discoveries. It emerged during a time when industry giants and academic pioneers raced to transform the simple science of esters into commercially valuable products. Right from the start, chemists noticed its potential as a fragrance compound. Houses like Givaudan and Firmenich deployed benzyl salicylate into a world that scented soaps, lotions, and perfumes with new complexity. Years of refinement followed as production volumes and purity improved through the early to mid-1900s. The compound claimed an enduring spot in perfumery and personal care, not just for its floral scent but also for its power to gently fix and stabilize other fragrances. Regulations have changed, and deeper scrutiny has followed in recent decades, yet the essential role of benzyl salicylate continues.
Benzyl salicylate typically appears as a nearly colorless to pale yellow liquid, with a faint sweet aroma reminiscent of mild florals. Producers often market it as a nature-identical compound, allowing formulators to design safer and more consistent blends than those based purely on plant extracts. In recent decades, benzyl salicylate's role has gone beyond perfumery. Its solubility and stability open doors to sunscreens, skin care, and industrial uses. I’ve come across it in sunscreens that spread easily and didn’t stain clothes. Companies use its properties to bridge gaps, dissolving UV filters or dispersing plant oils evenly, all while building a harmony of scent.
The molecular formula C14H12O3 gives benzyl salicylate a molar mass of roughly 228 grams per mole. The ester develops from salicylic acid and benzyl alcohol, yielding a molecule with both phenolic and aromatic characters. It boils at about 320°C and melts at around -2°C, reflecting the sort of durability expected of a compound used in heated manufacturing environments. Solubility stays low in water, but for oils, alcohols, or acetone, it dissolves easily and completely. Viscosity tends toward light syrup, which lets it flow while retaining some heft—this comes in handy for perfumers seeking lasting scent on skin. In light, benzyl salicylate resists most degradation, though prolonged UV exposure sparks some breakdown, which shapes how formulators approach packaging or finished goods.
Manufacturers source and supply benzyl salicylate at degrees of purity upward of 98%. Any reputable product comes with a certificate of analysis. The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) and the European Union both require clear identification on ingredient lists. From my experience, consumer expectations keep brands brutally honest on labeling. The common CAS number, 118-58-1, offers a crucial identifier in technical sheets. Storage calls for dark, cool rooms—oxidation and hydrolysis present the main spoilage risks—so savvy handlers lock up their stocks in UV-resistant barrels or amber glass. Technical sheets usually cover not just purity but also color, refractive index, and acid value; these numbers reassure buyers looking for traceability and quality consistency.
Benzyl salicylate springs from an esterification reaction between salicylic acid and benzyl alcohol. In practice, chemical manufacturers combine these starting materials with a trace of a strong acid such as sulfuric acid serving as catalyst. They maintain the mixture at moderate temperatures, drawing off water as the reaction pushes forward. After several hours, operators separate the organic layer, wash it to remove residual acid, then distill out the finished product under reduced pressure. Yields climb high, often well over 90 percent, since the process poses few side reactions. Some industrial operators recapture the small fraction of unreacted starting materials, putting cost efficiency front and center. This manufacturing approach keeps costs manageable while offering steady, reproducible outcomes—a real asset in large-scale production environments.
For chemists, benzyl salicylate is more than a finished product; it also acts as a jumping-off point for new transformations. The phenolic site invites etherification or halogenation, which can tweak solubility or photo-stability. More adventurous modifications aim at the benzyl group, giving rise to new derivatives for specialty applications—think pharmaceutical intermediates or highly tailored fragrances. In my university years, the lab teams explored aminolysis, adding amine groups to create potential UV-absorbing agents. Such work channeled industry trends: as regulatory agencies scrutinize legacy UV filters, interest ramps up in tailoring safe, effective molecules from familiar ester scaffolds.
Some industries trade on alternative names, from “benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, phenylmethyl ester” to simpler terms like “Benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate.” Marketed names sometimes drop into branding: manufacturers pick titles like “FEMA 2273” for use in flavoring discussions, or “Avolyte 502” for technical applications. This collection of synonyms doesn’t just reflect a love of jargon; it helps chemists and procurement professionals track variations, blends, and purity grades. When I worked with regulatory compliance teams, knowing every synonym was essential to spot restrictions in local regulation databases—missing one might mean holding up an entire product launch.
The safety conversation sets the foundation for benzyl salicylate’s continued use. European and North American agencies have set recommended concentration limits, especially in leave-on formulas. Studies have logged its potential to trigger mild contact allergies or phototoxic reactions, but these incidents remain rare at regulatory-compliant levels. Occupational standards insist on gloves and decent ventilation—repeated, unprotected skin exposure may sensitize some workers. Suppliers commit to hazard communication (GHS), labeling products with pictograms and first-aid directions. At retailers and labs, staff monitor for spills, relying on basic clean-up protocols given its low volatility and non-flammability. Increasingly, consumer safety groups demand additional tolerance testing, especially where products may contact young or sensitive skin. Companies pay attention, building transparent supply lines and compliance files that regulators— and customers— can actually trust.
Most benzyl salicylate lands in flavor and fragrance work. Its main draw: the gentle but persistent floral aroma, sometimes likened to sweet clover. It anchors blends of jasmine and gardenia, smoothing out the bursting top notes and tying them together with warmth. In sunscreens, it operates as both a weak UV-B absorber and as a solvent for newer photo-protective agents, balancing actives that otherwise crystallize or separate. Personal care products, from lotions to deodorants, lean on its emollient characteristics—skin feel matters in competitive markets, and benzyl salicylate makes products glide and linger without greasiness. In textile processing, the compound finds a place in softening agents or dye auxiliaries, steering fabric treatments toward smoother end results. The diversity sees no end: even cleaning formulations occasionally use it to lift plant-based soils from hard surfaces.
Researchers continue to dig into esters like benzyl salicylate for myriad reasons. Perfumers analyze structure-odor relationships, adjusting the molecule’s backbone and functional groups to chase new olfactory profiles. Dermatological R&D teams check compatibility with next-generation actives, looking for ways to maximize delivery and limit irritation. Advances in analytical chemistry have produced high-sensitivity assays, so companies monitor trace impurities with accuracy unimaginable even a decade ago. Consumer pressure for “green” chemistry has prompted innovation in bio-based synthesis: several labs now chase efficient, enzyme-catalyzed esterifications rather than leaning on petrochemical origins. My network of product developers shares reports on reduced-energy manufacturing methods, aiming to cut the carbon footprint linked to high-temperature distillations. Real progress comes from these shared successes—open-access research lets emerging-market producers adopt safer, less polluting processes at speed.
Safety assessments of benzyl salicylate have grown more robust as exposure widens. Teams run tests in two main directions: acute toxicity and long-term allergy potential. Studies peg the oral LD50 in rats between 2,200 and 6,700 mg/kg, placing it in the “low toxicity” bracket. Repeated skin applications at relevant doses show a low but real potential for irritation in sensitive individuals. Phototoxic and photoallergy testing informs restrictions in products intended for sun exposure. Endocrine disruption has earned close scrutiny after cell assays flagged weak estrogenic activity; despite this, prevailing expert reviews hold that current safe use standards protect consumers effectively. Many producers invest in reformulation work, reducing concentrations or finding alternatives in response to new findings. Regulatory bodies like the European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety publish tight, regularly reviewed safety margins—input from toxicologists and consumer advocacy groups shapes these boundaries.
Demand for benzyl salicylate won’t vanish; it adapts under legal, environmental, and consumer scrutiny. Growing calls for transparency and traceability urge producers to refine manufacturing ethics—bio-based processes from renewable feedstocks now promise to gradually replace petroleum-driven synthesis. Start-ups and university spin-offs explore enzymatic production lines that minimize waste and energy. Regulatory attention will remain sharp, especially with ongoing debates linking certain fragrance ingredients to allergies and hormone disruption. Digital tools in supply chain tracking help brands guarantee that products meet both safety and environmental standards. In global markets, benzyl salicylate may serve as a model for how legacy chemicals can evolve: stricter risk assessment, tighter labeling, greener chemistry, and a continued focus on delivering functional, pleasant, and safe experiences for consumers everywhere.
Walk through any pharmacy or big-box store. Scan the back of shampoo bottles, perfumes, lotions, sunscreens. So many labels mention benzyl salicylate. To most shoppers, this chemical might look like another tongue-twisting ingredient riding at the bottom of an endless list. But there’s more behind that name.
Benzyl salicylate shows up in products mainly for its scent and solvency. It carries a light, sweet, almost floral note. Folks in the fragrance industry know it helps mellow out sharper scents and makes the pleasant aroma in soaps or sprays stick around longer. Being able to dissolve other aromatic compounds, benzyl salicylate braids together a blend of perfumes more effectively. Perfume wearers may not notice its presence, but they enjoy its benefits every day.
The world of cosmetics relies on ingredients like this—a gentle hand in the background—to shape how creams and lotions feel and smell. Even “unscented” formulas sometimes lean on its ability to mask the raw odors of other chemicals.
Many sunscreens and skin care products build their formulas with benzyl salicylate, not for fragrance alone. It acts as a UV light absorber, helping protect the contents of those products from breaking down in sunlight. That makes it a workhorse for product stability—so your favorite moisturizer works like it should from the first drop to the last.
This chemical attracts scrutiny, more so in Europe than in other parts of the world. Some people—roughly one in a hundred, based on findings from dermatology clinics—develop mild allergic reactions. This isn’t the fault of the ingredient alone. Modern lifestyles bathe nearly everyone in thousands of chemicals each week, heightening sensitivities for some.
Regulators keep a close eye on benzyl salicylate concentrations, setting limits to keep most consumers comfortable, and requiring labels to flag its presence for transparency’s sake. For those with skin sensitivities, dermatologists often suggest patch testing or choosing products labeled “fragrance-free”—a label that actually refers to added scents, not the base materials themselves.
Shopping for gentle products used to be almost impossible in my family. As someone with a parent sensitive to fragrances, I know no ingredient list gets ignored more than in our house. Industry regulations matter when everyone’s skin is different—some people lather up with fragranced soaps and never notice. Others face rashes or hives from just one wash.
The point isn’t to demonize chemicals like benzyl salicylate. We need honest information, real-world limits, and clear labeling. Not every user wants to scan label by label, magnifying glass in hand. It would help if manufacturers aimed for more open ingredient lists online, maybe even listing the purpose of each compound. Shoppers could then match products to their own needs, and fewer folks would suffer needlessly from surprise allergies.
Benzyl salicylate plays the role of team player behind the scenes, making sure products do what customers expect. As science keeps evolving, we can hope for alternatives that cause fewer reactions. As for me, a readable label means more than flashy packaging—especially if it helps my family avoid itchiness, and everyone else enjoy a little peace of mind.
Like a lot of folks, I’ve stood in front of my bathroom mirror, checking the label on a new face cream or body lotion and spotting a long list of unpronounceable ingredients. Benzyl salicylate shows up in plenty of those lists. It’s common in perfumed products, thanks to a soft floral scent that helps mask the smell of other ingredients. People see long chemical names and start to worry, especially with stories online warning about this ingredient’s safety. Before tossing every scented product out, though, let’s really dig into what we know.
No one wants to slather on a product that causes irritation or leads to long-term health problems. Personal experience tells me that regular folks rarely know the nuances behind ingredient safety. We rely on others—scientists, government health agencies, dermatologists—who test and study these things over years.
Benzyl salicylate stands out because it pops up not only in cosmetics, but also in perfumes, laundry detergents, and even some aftershaves and sunscreens. It’s used so often because it actually does a few jobs: acting as both a fragrance and a solvent. Regular exposure tends to make consumers ask questions, especially after seeing headlines about allergies or hormone disruption linked to ingredients like this.
Research on benzyl salicylate highlights rare but real allergy risks. Case studies show that it might irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic contact dermatitis, especially for people with fragrance allergies. The European Union, noticing these concerns, started requiring products with benzyl salicylate above a certain concentration to include a warning label. Ingredients don’t end up flagged without good reason, and this step signals a moderate risk for certain users, rather than a universal danger.
The overall weight of scientific evidence does not show major toxicity at levels allowed in cosmetics. Studies reviewed by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) in Europe found that typical concentrations below 0.8% in ready-to-use cosmetic products fall within safe ranges for the vast majority of adults. The US Food and Drug Administration doesn’t currently restrict its use. It’s worth pointing out: most mainstream products use concentrations lower than that threshold.
As someone with sensitive skin, I pay attention to fragrance-heavy products anyway. I’ve tried switching to fragrance-free skincare after a bad rash from a new lotion. Patch testing a product before rubbing it all over your face or arms can make a big difference for those prone to reactions.
Folks with specific allergies or hormone disorders might want to avoid products listing benzyl salicylate and, more broadly, those heavy in synthetic fragrances. Dermatologists sometimes recommend this. People concerned about hormone effects will find that animal studies raise some questions about benzyl salicylate acting as an endocrine disruptor, but clear links to problems in humans aren’t well established at the levels found in personal care.
The best way forward: more transparency from companies, stricter label requirements, and balanced public education. Cosmetic chemists and doctors have urged for plain English explanations on boxes, so people know not only what’s inside but why it’s there, and what levels are considered safe. Better consumer knowledge leads to smarter choices and fewer fears. Instead of demonizing complex ingredients outright, checking sources and listening to science helps keep both worries and risks in check.
Benzyl salicylate turns up everywhere in daily life. From lotions to perfumes, sunscreen to scented deodorant, this chemical helps carry fragrances and makes products smell pleasant. Its role in cosmetics dates back decades, tying its history to the evolution of modern personal care. Reading an ingredient label at the store rarely brings much pause, but benzyl salicylate isn’t always as innocent as it sounds.
Skin reacts in all sorts of unpredictable ways, but allergies stand out as an especially tricky concern. Even with a long track record in products, benzyl salicylate can cause reactions that catch people off-guard. The European Union recognized benzyl salicylate as an allergen, adding it to the list of substances that must be labeled on cosmetics.
Patch tests and reports in clinics show it can spark contact dermatitis for people with sensitive skin. This often plays out as redness, bumps, itchiness, or even a stinging sensation after using a new lotion or cream. In some instances, people notice nothing out of the ordinary at first, only to run into irritation after repeated use.
Having seen friends and family try new products only to return to their trusted favorites speaks volumes. Skincare often feels personal, almost like a ritual. So discovering that benzyl salicylate is one of many common fragrance ingredients tied to allergies can be frustrating. One friend had no history of allergies, but switched to a fancy moisturizer and developed an itchy rash after just a few days. The culprit turned out to be benzyl salicylate.
Studies published in journals like Contact Dermatitis have linked this ingredient with both mild and more stubborn cases of skin irritation. The numbers are hard to ignore: according to the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) in Europe, benzyl salicylate triggers positive patch tests in a measurable number of people each year.
Companies stick with benzyl salicylate for a few reasons: it delivers floral notes, blends easily, and keeps scents stable in sunlight. Scent is a huge selling point. Many shoppers are loyal to certain products because of the way they smell, even if a hidden allergen lingers among the ingredients.
The reality is that regulations vary. In Europe, brands have to list allergens like benzyl salicylate once the amount reaches a certain threshold. In places with less strict rules, that level of transparency doesn’t always exist. Shoppers might not realize what’s in their favorite moisturizer or body wash without digging deep into the product’s ingredient list.
Some brands now look to swap out questionable fragrance compounds for gentler alternatives. Products with “fragrance-free” or “suitable for sensitive skin” claims may carry less risk, though reading the ingredient label carefully is still a must. The growing conversation about allergens puts more pressure on companies to take skin sensitivities seriously and give consumers clear information.
Those prone to allergies can get a patch test with a dermatologist to pinpoint specific triggers. Healthcare professionals often recommend choosing fewer scented products, opting for plain moisturizers or cleansers that skip most potential irritants. On a personal level, swapping out a fragranced product for a plainer one, or simply doing a spot test before broad use, helps avoid bigger skin problems down the road.
Knowledge changes habits. Reading labels, knowing what to watch for, and sharing experiences help everyone protect their skin—and hold brands to higher standards. If skin reacts, it signals time to rethink what goes on each day. That knowledge empowers both shoppers and industry, creating safer and healthier experiences for all.
Benzyl salicylate shows up in so many bottles on bathroom shelves and makeup bags that it goes nearly unnoticed. You see it in perfumes, soaps, and lotions. It works because it blends fragrance, keeps scents stable, and works as a mild sunscreen. Companies use it in everything from shampoo to body creams. So, folks with vegan values always ask, does its chemical name mean hidden animal sources?
Benzyl salicylate comes from synthesizing salicylic acid and benzyl alcohol. These two ingredients come from either plant materials or lab processes. Salicylic acid can come from willow bark or be created in a lab. Benzyl alcohol can be made from petroleum or some plant materials. Finished benzyl salicylate, then, usually comes from these non-animal routes. Production lines in the cosmetics world run on formulas that value consistency, so synthetic or plant-based sources keep costs down and avoid supply chain surprises. No big fragrance or skincare producer reaches for animal-derived sources to create this ingredient anymore. The way things work today, using animal-based chemicals would be more expensive and harder to justify with plant and lab solutions out there.
It’s not only about what goes into a product, but also about animal testing and transparency from brands. Consumer trust comes from honesty, and many companies now highlight their ingredient sourcing right on the label or in FAQ sections online. People want to trust that roasting a lotion onto their skin isn’t an endorsement of animal suffering. Brands tap into this wish for cruelty-free living, pushing for vegan claims and certifications on packs, which brings some peace of mind but does not always tell the full story.
Even though benzyl salicylate is usually vegan, other additives or carrier substances in formulas confuse shoppers. Sometimes, a seemingly animal-free product has other ingredients with animal origins. Folks who want to support animal-free living need clear, thorough labels from the brands they trust or direct contact with companies to verify every component. My own experience reading ingredient lists in tiny print under grocery store lights feels like detective work. Cross-referencing data from brand customer service lines or vegan consumer resources definitely saves time and worry, rather than guessing at odd-sounding chemical names.
So many people push for better ingredient clarity and more detailed vegan certifications. Small brands and start-ups often lead the way, putting out transparent sourcing documents and even allowing for batch-level lookups. I’ve seen major retailers add digital ingredients databases, saving shoppers from guesswork. Policy moves in places like the EU keep tightening the rules on labeling and animal testing. Supporting those legal and cultural shifts by speaking up, joining advocacy groups, or choosing the most transparent brands drives better choices for everyone.
According to the Environmental Working Group and the Vegan Society, benzyl salicylate as it appears in beauty and personal care today doesn’t come from animals. Anyone curious or still in doubt should reach out directly to a product’s manufacturer and ask about sourcing. The extra step can reinforce trust. Every dollar spent on a product with a clear, vegan label signals to brands that transparency and ethics mean more than mysterious chemistry or marketing gloss.
Benzyl salicylate plays a big role in perfumes, even if its name doesn’t sound glamorous. You notice it mostly in floral scents, where it brings out the richness in jasmine, ylang-ylang, and lilies. Chemists add it for more than just smell. This ingredient smooths out the sharp parts of a perfume and pulls everything together so the scent smells full, not harsh or scattered. Spray on a favorite fragrance with a powdery, floral note, and odds are you’re catching benzyl salicylate at work.
No one wants a perfume that disappears in five minutes. Benzyl salicylate helps keep scents lingering. It sticks to the skin, boosting not just the top notes, but also making sure the fragrance lasts longer throughout the day. That matters. People want that small luxury of pulling a scarf closer and catching the same nice scent hours after getting dressed.
Plenty of folks don’t notice when it’s missing, but take it away and the difference stands out. Without compounds like benzyl salicylate, floral perfumes turn flat, and the comfort of rounded, “warm” scents gets lost. It helps keep the blend feeling familiar—closer to the real flowers and the memories attached to them. It’s not about trickery; it’s about making fragrances people genuinely enjoy.
This ingredient also acts as a UV light absorber, which might sound technical, but it serves a simple purpose. It protects the delicate molecules in perfume from breaking down in sunlight. Bottles last longer on dressers, keeping the scent true for months. Moving beyond luxury, that’s also about not wasting money replacing a bottle that turns sour too soon.
Questions about safety float around the internet every time a lesser-known ingredient pops up on a label. No one can blame anyone for wanting to know what they’re putting on their bodies. Benzyl salicylate shows up on safety radars because it can cause allergies in some people, mostly after extended or repeated contact. The European Union and IFRA set rules about how much companies can add. These rules stem from real-world science, not industry secrets. I’ve seen friends with sensitive skin who need to read every label, but most people handle benzyl salicylate in their daily products just fine.
Allergy risks are real, but not everyone needs to panic. If you know your skin reacts to some fragrances, check the ingredient list. Perfumers often flag common allergens, and more brands now offer “free-from” options or clear labeling to help buyers feel confident in their choices.
The best outcome would be a balance: perfumes that give pleasure and memories, without putting anyone at risk. More research and smarter regulations are moving things in the right direction. Companies have started to explore alternatives, but the truth is, no replacement matches benzyl salicylate on all counts yet—and customers notice the drop in quality when it disappears.
Understanding why ingredients like benzyl salicylate show up in the bottle adds another layer to buying smarter. More transparency in the industry, with clear safety data, means people can make informed decisions, instead of just trusting advertising or fearing everything with a long name. That makes all of us better consumers, and keeps the daily ritual of fragrance enjoyable, not stressful.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate |
| Other names |
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, phenylmethyl ester
Benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate Salicylic acid benzyl ester Benzyl o-hydroxybenzoate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈbɛn.zɪl səˈlɪ.sɪ.leɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 118-58-1 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1207932 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:34681 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL142597 |
| ChemSpider | 5508 |
| DrugBank | DB11272 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 01d72f0b-4b72-457e-8aa6-5ea98cb6db34 |
| EC Number | 204-262-9 |
| Gmelin Reference | Gmelin 100416 |
| KEGG | C10469 |
| MeSH | D004258 |
| PubChem CID | 8498 |
| RTECS number | DG5950000 |
| UNII | P8XP9BPV5O |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C14H12O3 |
| Molar mass | 228.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild, balsamic odor. |
| Odor | mild, sweet-floral, balsamic |
| Density | 1.176 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Practically insoluble in water |
| log P | 3.7 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.000081 hPa (25 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.6 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 13.70 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -70.0e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.567 - 1.571 |
| Viscosity | 38.5 cP (20°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.87 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 479.06 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -393.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6257.6 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D02AC07 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes skin irritation. May cause an allergic skin reaction. Causes serious eye irritation. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: P261, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P333+P313, P362+P364 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 194°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 180°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 2227 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of Benzyl Salicylate: 2,800 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | WA2625000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 30 |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not listed |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Salicylic acid
Methyl salicylate Ethyl salicylate Benzyl alcohol Benzyl benzoate Geraniol Linalool |
