Isopropyl Benzoate

Isopropyl Benzoate 1
molecular structure · PubChem CID 13654
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating (CIR 578)
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions strong (CIR 578)
Concentration Guide
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 0.5%
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · 2010 survey
EU regulatory limit: 0.5%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 1a.
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU✔ permitted
JAPAN✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR