Benzyl Salicylate

Benzyl Salicylate molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 118-58-1, Benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, Benzyl o-hydroxybenzoate, Salicylic Acid Benzyl Ester, Salicylic acid, Benzyl ester, Phenylmethyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, Benzoic acid, Phenylmethyl ester, Salicylsaeurebenzylester, Salicyclic acid
Allergen Warning
⚠️ EU Fragrance Allergen
Synthetic
Sunscreen Filter
Fragrance
Chemical Exfoliant
Not Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that Benzyl Salicylate is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing, which may be based on a quantitative risk assessment (QRA).
Solubility Slightly soluble (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C14H12O3
Mol. Weight
228.24
CAS #
118-58-1
Form
Liquid
State
Benzyl salicylate is a colorless liquid. Melting point near room temperature (18-20 °C). (NTP, 1992)
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Uv Absorber
Blocks or absorbs UV rays to protect your skin from sun damage, dark spots, and premature aging.
Shields from UV damage
Traditional Use
Developed in the 20th century as a synthetic fragrance ingredient and preservative. Salicylates have roots in traditional medicine from willow bark, but benzyl salicylate is a laboratory-created compound designed to provide stable fragrance and antimicrobial properties in cosmetics.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
ewg-4
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
3.0%
0%4%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 3.0%. (a) 3.0% (b) 2.0%. Not to be used for children under three years of age (11) Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 98.
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU✔ permitted
JAPAN✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR