Isopropyl Benzoate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 939-48-0, Propan-2-yl benzoate, Benzoic acid, 1-methylethyl ester, Isopropyl ester, 1-Methylethyl benzoate, FEMA No. 2932, Isopropylester kyseliny benzoove
Synthetic
Preservative
Not Clean
Isopropyl benzoate is a benzoate ester.
Solubility insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents, oils
Formula
C10H12O2
Mol. Weight
164.20
CAS #
939-48-0
Form
Liquid
State
colourless oily liquid with a heavy, sweet, fruity-floral odour
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Anti-Inflammatory
Antioxidant
Improves Elasticity
Prevents microbial growth
Provides scent
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester developed as a solvent and emollient in cosmetics formulations. Used to improve penetration and spreadability of active ingredients in skincare products.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.5%
0%1%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 0.5%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 1a.
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR