Hexyl Salicylate appeared on industry radars early in the twentieth century, right as synthetic fragrances started gaining traction. Long before mass-market perfumes filled shelves, chemists hunted for molecules that could bring gentle, green, floral notes to a blend. Early perfumers mixed salicylates into their scents to balance out sharper or sweeter notes, and in that tradition, chemists stumbled on the hexyl variant. The combination of a salicylate backbone and a hexyl side chain quickly proved valuable. Robust enough to stand up in blends, subtle enough to avoid overpowering other ingredients, Hexyl Salicylate soon claimed its spot in perfumery and cosmetic formulations. As global regulations on fragrance safety tightened, the need for reliable, low-toxicity fragrance chemicals kept it in the rotation, and it’s managed to stay relevant because it doesn’t draw much controversy over allergenicity or reactivity compared to some older staples.
Most folks, unless they work in the lab, don’t realize just how many products rely on Hexyl Salicylate for a smooth, floral-green aroma that carries hints of jasmine. That subtlety helps it stand behind the scenes in deodorants, shampoos, room sprays and soaps. Even up-close, it doesn’t shout at your nose, but it knows how to fill out a scent. People expect their personal care products to smell fresh without reading a laundry list of complicated ingredients. Thanks to its ability to mix smoothly with oils and alcohols, manufacturers love working with it. Label readers will spot its name listed in fine print on everything from aftershaves to air fresheners, and the industry trusts it because Hexyl Salicylate behaves predictably, doesn’t pile on too much irritation, and holds up well over time.
Hexyl Salicylate comes as a pale yellow liquid that smells faintly sweet and floral. With a molecular formula of C13H18O3 and a molecular weight just over 222 grams per mole, it carries an oily texture that makes it easy to pour and blend. Its boiling point hovers around 300°C, which means it won’t just disappear in scented candles or hot soap mixes. The density floats near 1.04 g/cm³, so it doesn’t sink when mixed with similar fragrance oils. Moderate solubility in alcohols and low solubility in water fit right in where perfumes need it: lending longevity to a scent without separating out or going rancid. That chemical stability gives formulators a trustworthy option, free from fussy storage needs or wild fluctuations under heat.
Regulations push fragrance suppliers to stay precise with their chemical identifiers, and Hexyl Salicylate usually wears CAS Number 6259-76-3. Purity levels need to run at 98% or higher if a batch is going anywhere near skin-contact products. Commercial drums and bottles come stamped with safety data sheets, product codes, and UN handling guidelines. Those who package the ingredient for retail mixes pay attention to INCI labeling rules— International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients—making sure every bottle and bar of soap tells the full ingredient story. This matters just as much to regulators as it does to the few consumers who peel back labels to check for possible allergens.
Producing Hexyl Salicylate starts out with salicylic acid and 1-hexanol, both widely available chemicals. Putting the two together with a strong acid catalyst like sulfuric acid triggers an esterification reaction. That process generates heat, followed by distillation to remove excess water and alcohol. Labs take extra steps to purify the resulting liquid by careful washing and further distillation, ensuring the end product stays free of off-notes or contaminants that could impact fragrance quality. Industrial-scale synthesis doesn't change much from the bench-top version, but large reactors, automated controls, and environmental safeguards keep emissions and byproducts in check. The end result is a pure, sweet-smelling ester, ready for bottling and distribution.
Hexyl Salicylate sets itself apart through its ester group, which resists most oxidation and avoids acid-base lability under typical conditions. In fragrance blends, it doesn’t break down easily, letting scents last longer and remain true. For specialty uses, chemists do experiment with functionalizing the molecule. Adding halogens or changing the alcohol component leads to new aroma chemicals. Modifications mostly focus on shifting volatility or tuning scent character, not chasing radical changes in activity or reactivity. What makes Hexyl Salicylate so valuable in its original form is that it rides the line between richness and subtlety—a rare breed in the crowded field of perfume additives.
Label reading across brands can get confusing if you don't recognize the aliases: hexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, salicylic acid hexyl ester, and 2-hydroxybenzoic acid hexyl ester. INCI listings typically prefer Hexyl Salicylate. In perfumery trade, the substance turns up as Floramel, or sometimes simply HSA. Regulatory filings in the European Union or North America stick with the technical name, but industry insiders, especially in France or Germany, call it by localized variations. Its presence in consumer goods often ducks under the radar since it rarely triggers safety labels or international warning notes.
Safety data puts Hexyl Salicylate in a mild-to-moderate irritant bracket, but only at concentrations far above those found in ordinary perfumes or creams. Industry safety boards like the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) regularly review data and issue concentration limits, especially for products used on highly sensitive skin. Most manufacturers blend it well below those ceilings. Production lines stick to standard nitrile gloves, eye protection, and fume extraction during mixing, but bulk handling rules don’t call for hazmat suits unless a major spill happens. Waste disposal aligns with regular organic solvents—careful drainage, not down the sink. Regulations in the EU and North America check the boxes for consumer safety, and so far, Hexyl Salicylate sails through risk assessments as long as it's not misused or overexposed in a single product type.
Fragrance creators, soap makers, and household product formulators all look to Hexyl Salicylate for that long-lasting, green jasmine note. Laundry detergents benefit from its staying power, letting clothes smell fresh even after storage. Scented candles and diffusers depend on its moderate volatility, which helps spread fragrance without burning off too quickly. Skin creams, body washes, and hair mists see it as a fixative that binds lighter aromas, making the whole product smell well-rounded. Even industrial air care sprays and wipes use it, since it plays nicely with filters and surfactants without altering color or stability. As more brands try to move away from allergens and headline-making irritants, Hexyl Salicylate steps up as an inoffensive, reliable option.
Innovation in fragrance chemistry always runs into the wall of regulation—brands crave new molecules, but safety and environmental impact hold back clearance. Hexyl Salicylate manages to stand out because it’s old enough and well-studied, lowering the bar for R&D costs compared to newer aroma chemicals. Still, researchers look for ways to tweak its molecular structure for new scent profiles or enhanced fixative power. Environmental scientists study its persistence in wastewater, and the news so far shows slow, but complete, breakdown over time. Biotech efforts, like fermenting precursor molecules from renewable feedstocks, gain traction as the industry tries to wean itself from fossil-based chemicals. If a novel, bio-based route can produce Hexyl Salicylate at scale, supply chains will benefit from better sustainability and price stability.
Toxicologists have tested Hexyl Salicylate for decades, focusing on skin compatibility and inhalation exposure. Animal studies run at concentrations much higher than typical use levels rarely show systemic toxicity, but sensitive skin can sometimes react after prolonged contact. Human patch tests report low rates of allergic response. Regulatory agencies, from the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety to the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review, comb through the latest data every few years. They usually find enough evidence to cap maximum concentrations in high-contact applications, but see no pressing reason to ban or restrict it outright. Ongoing monitoring looks at breakdown products and airborne exposure, ensuring that long-term use matches earlier findings—favorable safety, manageable risk, and rare allergic triggers for most populations.
Consumer demand for transparency and “cleaner” labels keeps pressure on fragrance suppliers. Hexyl Salicylate sits in a good position because it already clears most hurdles for safety and sustainability. Growth in personal care, home fragrance, and even niche artisanal products should keep demand steady. Trends point toward smaller batch production with careful natural sourcing. If bio-based or fermentation-derived Hexyl Salicylate can hit commercial scale, that might be the stepping stone for broader adoption in premium brands and eco-conscious markets. At the same time, watchdog groups continue to watch for rare allergy signals, so improved testing and transparency won’t hurt its reputation. As long as research finds no new hidden risks, Hexyl Salicylate’s versatility ensures it isn’t disappearing from labs or store shelves anytime soon.
Hexyl salicylate often finds its way into the world long before most folks ever hear its name. If you’ve opened a bottle of shampoo and breathed in a gentle floral scent, there’s a fair chance you’ve brushed up against this ingredient. Used in huge volumes by the cosmetics industry, hexyl salicylate gives everything from lotions to soaps their smooth, spa-like character. It blends with other scent notes, building a sense of freshness without the loudness some artificial ingredients bring.
Manufacturers love it because it’s safe, stable, and gives a soft, non-aggressive aroma. Once I began looking into the bottles of my daily products, I noticed how often it pops up. Whether it’s hiding in a deodorant or in a rinse-off body wash, hexyl salicylate lends a subtle, green-floral note. The cooling undertone seems to mentally transport people to a mountain meadow, which probably explains why companies use it in so many things.
Hexyl salicylate isn’t just about scent, though. Over the years, I’ve found out that it helps scents last on the skin or fabric. Take perfume for example: many perfumes rely on it to round out sharp edges and make a blend smell unified. Home cleaning sprays and laundry detergents roll it into their formulas for the same reason. The ingredient smooths out chemical odors that would otherwise make these products smell too harsh or clinical.
Sometimes people overlook what the label doesn’t tell them. Most companies keep their exact fragrance mixtures under wraps, calling them “parfum” or “fragrance,” but those mixes almost always include hexyl salicylate. The reason is simple: it’s not expensive and it doesn’t irritate most people’s skin. The chemical structure resists breaking down under sunlight and won’t vanish the moment you wash your hands or clothes either, which is a deal-breaker in products meant for use all day long.
Having spent time talking with dermatologists, I’ve learned that even safe ingredients can cause surprises for some people — skin is complicated and no ingredient has a perfect track record. Hexyl salicylate falls on the safer side compared to many perfume ingredients, which explains its popularity. European authorities set limits for its use and keep a close watch on new evidence, especially since a small number of people develop sensitivity over time. Tinkering with personal care products is personal, so patch testing new lotions or shampoos makes sense if you know you have sensitive skin.
One thing people ask is whether companies are open about using hexyl salicylate. The industry is under pressure to list fragrance ingredients more clearly. Some brands already go beyond the minimum, publishing extended ingredient lists or offering fragrance-free alternatives. If brands keep responding to customer feedback, everyone wins: folks who want to avoid certain substances can do so, and companies keep trust and loyalty intact.
A lot of modern problems with ingredients come from overexposure, so cycling through different products rather than sticking with one for years may help. Wash-off products, like body washes and shampoos, pose less of a problem than products left on the skin—lotions or perfumes, for example. The end goal is finding a balance between sensory pleasure and skin health, which brands and shoppers need to chase together.
Hexyl salicylate pops up in countless perfumes, creams, and scented cosmetics across store shelves. Walk down the toiletries aisle and most likely you’ve held a bottle featuring this fragrant compound. With consumers growing increasingly wary about what goes on their skin, safety questions have become common and, honestly, worthwhile.
Hexyl salicylate comes from salicylic acid, well known for breaking up clogged pores and reducing inflammation in skin care formulas. Tied to a string of alcohol, hexyl salicylate takes on a pleasant floral and herbal aroma – a workhorse for perfumers and formulators. It helps mask less pleasant scents from other ingredients too.
Unlike its cousin salicylic acid, hexyl salicylate doesn’t exfoliate or remove oil. It simply lends fragrance. That makes it a bit less risky, under most circumstances, but it doesn’t mean zero risk. Plenty of people are sensitive even to so-called “inert” fragrance chemicals. So it makes sense to look closer.
Several safety bodies have weighed in on hexyl salicylate’s risk profile. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) sets safe use levels for a lot of perfume ingredients, including this one. The European Union lists it among the known fragrance compounds that can cause skin reactions for some people. In higher doses, animal studies link it to possible irritation – though in real-world skin products, concentrations stay much lower.
Health Canada has not flagged it as a cosmetic danger. The US FDA doesn’t ban it but expects formulators to follow general product safety rules. Dermatologists sum up the overall risk for most people as low when used in small amounts found in consumer cosmetics. Still, small groups—those with sensitive skin, eczema, or fragrance allergies—sometimes report rashes or flare-ups. That doesn’t shock anyone who’s spent time in a dermatologist’s waiting room.
Personal experience tells me that reactions to fragrance ingredients run the gamut. Some people use them daily for decades and rarely notice a thing. Others get hives from a single swipe. Patch testing by a skin specialist provides the most reliable answer for anyone who’s had issues with scents or salicylates before.
The biggest frustration comes from opaque labeling. Hexyl salicylate can hide as part of “parfum” or “fragrance” on an ingredients list, unless you check the detailed INCI breakdown. People struggling with allergies deserve clear labels – so do parents picking out baby lotion. Better transparency would help consumers avoid unwanted reactions.
The main solution lies not only with companies, but also with buyers. Brands should prioritize allergen disclosure and keep concentrations low. Smaller batch skincare brands often advertise “fragrance-free” or list all fragrance components by name, making it easier to avoid triggers. For those with tough skin or no history of reactions, hexyl salicylate in modern cosmetics rarely poses a daily problem.
Those fighting sensitivities benefit from avoiding unnecessary fragrance, patch testing new products, and engaging with brands that offer full transparency. Health-conscious buyers have pushed the market toward clearer ingredient lists. That gives people who care about skin more control over what they use every day.
Walk into any department store and chances are you’ll brush past a perfume counter, with new scents jockeying for your attention. Hexyl salicylate sits among the ingredients in many of these bottles. The same goes for body lotions and deodorants. It has a floral, slightly woody note that can smooth out rougher top notes in a fragrance. Many skin and hair care products use it, too.
Smelling good draws people in, but safety runs deeper than a pleasant whiff. Most folks trust that everyday beauty products don’t bring extra risk along for the ride—especially after decades of use. That said, people have a right to know what goes into their products.
Most healthy adults walk away from a spritz of hexyl salicylate with no issue. Tests by industry and regulatory agencies point to generally low toxicity. The European Chemicals Agency classifies it as a skin sensitizer, which means some people can develop an allergy after repeated exposure. Symptoms might include redness, itching, or rash—much like other common fragrance ingredients.
I’ve dealt with allergies to skin-care fragrances, so I always check labels. Once, a run-in with an unfamiliar scent left my wrists red and itchy. Turns out, hexyl salicylate appeared in the ingredient list, and it likely triggered a contact reaction.
The European Union restricts the amount of hexyl salicylate allowed in cosmetic products for good reason. Some animal studies, looking at high doses not found in personal care, flagged possible effects on the liver or reproductive organs. Everyday levels in commercial products fall far below those. After a review, the International Fragrance Association updated safety guidelines and set a maximum concentration.
Kids have thinner skin and sometimes react more strongly than adults. The same holds for people with eczema or a history of perfume allergies. For these groups, extra care helps. Parents looking out for their children’s skin might think twice about heavily scented products and opt for fragrance-free alternatives.
Asthma or scent sensitivity sometimes bring other issues. Products with strong floral notes, including hexyl salicylate, can trigger symptoms like sneezing or even a tightening chest. Those who already live with scent sensitivities do best with gentle routines using unscented or low-fragrance options.
Reading labels matters more than most realize. Ingredient lists reveal which products contain hexyl salicylate. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, take the time to do a patch test—try a bit of that new lotion or scent behind your ear before going all-in. Health professionals say that usually gives enough warning if trouble lies ahead.
Plenty of brands now push for transparency, listing every fragrance ingredient online. If a reaction strikes, jot down what you used and share the list with your doctor or dermatologist. They’ll help zero in on what touched off the flare-up.
Folks looking to avoid synthetic fragrances have a growing number of unscented or naturally scented options. More customers asking for these choices pushes makers to rethink formulas and communicate more openly about what goes into each bottle.
Hexyl salicylate gets tossed around in the cosmetic and fragrance world a lot. Walk through the aisles of any store, and you’ll find it on the back of beauty bottles, perfumes, even home care products. Many labels tout “natural” or “synthetic” as if one’s always better than the other, but the reality is more layered.
Chemists know hexyl salicylate belongs to the ester family, combining salicylic acid and hexanol. In nature, trace amounts pop up in a few plants, especially some teas and flowers. Yet, the stuff you smell in perfumes and lotions comes from labs. Its extraction from natural sources just doesn’t happen on a commercial scale because plants barely make enough. Companies synthesize it using controlled processes with precise purity standards. This practice makes it affordable, reliable, and consistent.
The main reason manufacturers produce hexyl salicylate in the lab boils down to economics and sustainability. Harvesting enough plant material to supply the global fragrance industry would strain the environment. Plus, natural extraction can bring surprises—batch variations, possible allergens, and sometimes even contamination. Synthesis allows for high purity and safety, which keeps regulators and users happy.
Some marketers love to use the word “natural,” hoping it signals safety or eco-consciousness. In fact, plenty of “natural” substances can trigger allergies or irritate skin; poison ivy and arsenic exist in nature too. Hexyl salicylate made in labs is chemically the same as what tiny amounts appear in plants. The difference lies in scale and process, not in what lands in your bottle.
As someone whose skin reacts to unpredictable ingredients, I double-check labels. My experience matches the findings from dermatology studies: People are more likely to react to “natural” formulations than to pure, well-characterized synthetics. A consistent, synthetic version of hexyl salicylate gives formulators control. That helps reduce surprise breakouts or rashes for many of us.
European and U.S. authorities both watch hexyl salicylate closely. The International Fragrance Association suggests safe concentration limits, especially for leave-on products. EU regulations guide how much can go in cosmetics to lower sensitization risk. Regular reviews mean the ingredient’s safety profile keeps improving. Consumers can rely on ingredient transparency and scientific oversight, not wild marketing claims.
People crave clean, honest products. Brands could do more by educating buyers about ingredient sourcing and safety studies, instead of pushing the “natural is safer” narrative. Product labels should show whether an ingredient is synthetic, and clarify the benefits behind that choice. Sourcing synthetic hexyl salicylate cuts down on plant exploitation, supports consistent quality, and steers clear of heavy pesticides or wild-harvested shortages.
If safety matters, picking brands with transparent labeling and third-party testing offers peace of mind. I lean toward companies that spell out their sourcing and explain the “why” behind every ingredient, synthetic or natural. Supporting research-backed product development and avoiding hype-driven buzzwords leads to clearer decisions and, hopefully, fewer allergic surprises.
Hexyl salicylate exists in tons of products we use daily. If you've ever picked up a scented body lotion, air freshener, or even some laundry detergents, there's a decent chance this name pops up in the ingredients list. It gives that light floral and fruity scent. Industry loves it because it doesn’t break the bank and offers a long-lasting fragrance. On paper, it looks like a harmless addition. But whenever an ingredient is this widely used, questions start cropping up about possible downsides—especially those that affect real people.
Allergies aren’t just sneezing or mild rashes. For some, they can bring on hives, itchiness, or extreme discomfort. A lot of people want to trust what goes onto their skin. Families with kids, people with sensitive skin, or anyone who’s experienced a bad reaction before, knows how quickly things get serious from what seems like a minor exposure. Trust in a product fades the moment it causes pain or irritation. That’s just real life. And if you’ve ever dealt with red, burning skin after using a scented product, you know the frustration of digging through labels, trying to find the cause.
Data does show allergic reactions linked to hexyl salicylate. It ranks among the common fragrance allergens flagged in dermatology circles. Over the years, research continues to add new ingredients to the “watch list” of fragrance allergens, and hexyl salicylate shows up among the suspects. Researchers say that skin sensitization—where your immune system starts reacting after repeated exposure—can occur. That means while it might not trigger allergy the first time, it can slowly sensitize skin if you keep using it. Reports of people experiencing contact dermatitis after repeated exposure aren’t rare anymore. The European Commission even lists it on its catalog of known or suspected allergens for good reason.
Regulations around fragrance remain pretty loose in some countries. A company can just label “fragrance” on a bottle without breaking down what that actually means, so people don’t always know hexyl salicylate lurks inside. That fuzziness doesn’t help anybody with allergies. The cosmetic and household goods industries bank on scents to build customer loyalty—smelling nice increases sales. Removing popular scent molecules often brings pushback. But consumer safety should never take a back seat.
People with sensitive skin, eczema, or a history of allergies need real answers, not marketing spin. Always doing a patch test with new toiletries becomes a survival tactic. Dermatologists recommend starting with unscented products if you’re worried. Groups like the American Contact Dermatitis Society publish updated lists of problematic fragrance compounds, and I always keep an eye on those. Apps now make product label reading less stressful. If an ingredient like hexyl salicylate ever caused you issues, jotting it down and double-checking every time helps avoid surprises. Reporting rashes and reactions to a doctor—even for what seems like a small issue—fuels better data for regulators too.
Stronger labeling rules could empower folks to make smarter choices. Listing fragrance ingredients simply and clearly, not hiding behind vague terms, creates trust. Brands embracing full disclosure set the pace while others play catch-up. Local advocacy groups push hard for tougher guidelines. When consumers push back, companies listen—for instance, supermarkets introducing “free from fragrance” ranges because people demanded it. Science keeps evolving, so paying attention to research and staying aware really matters.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid hexyl ester |
| Other names |
Hexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
2-Hydroxybenzoic acid hexyl ester Salicylic acid hexyl ester Hexylsalicylate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈhɛksɪl səˈlɪsɪleɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 6259-76-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1635077 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:88931 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL514660 |
| ChemSpider | 8056 |
| DrugBank | DB11270 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b2c6d3-b94d-4e7a-98c6-c7b46e0b0dab |
| EC Number | 212-134-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8219 |
| KEGG | C14422 |
| MeSH | D017356 |
| PubChem CID | 8907 |
| RTECS number | DG1400000 |
| UNII | 9C347D0099 |
| UN number | NA3077 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID8020364 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C13H18O3 |
| Molar mass | 198.28 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | mild, sweet, herbal, slightly fruity |
| Density | 1.01 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 4.8 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.000266 hPa at 25 °C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.87 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 13.38 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.64·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.493 |
| Viscosity | Liquid |
| Dipole moment | 2.92 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 395.36 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -489.1 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -8086.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D01AE23 |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | Warning; H317; May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P305+P351+P338, P333+P313, P362+P364, P370+P378, P501 |
| Flash point | 112 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 280°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 5,900 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 4,100 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | SAF93230 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.8% |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Amyl salicylate
Benzyl salicylate Methyl salicylate Phenyl salicylate |
