murphyPropyl Benzoate
AKA: Benzoic acid, Propyl ester, N-Propyl benzoate, Propyl benzenecarboxylate, Benzoic acid n-propyl ester, Benzoate de propyle, FEMA No. 2931
Synthetic
Preservative
Not Clean
OriginPropyl benzoate is synthesized from benzoic acid and propanol, both petroleum-derived or synthetically produced compounds. It is produced through esterification, where benzoic acid reacts with propanol under acidic catalysis to form the ester.
Propyl benzoate is a benzoate ester obtained by condensation of benzoic acid and propanol. It has a balsamic odor reminescent of nuts with a sweet, fruity, nut-like taste. It has a role as a flavouring agent, an antimicrobial food preservative and a plant metabolite.
Solubility 0.351 mg/mL at 25 °C
Formula
C10H12O2
Mol. Weight
164.20
CAS #
2315-68-6
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
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.
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
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 Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR