Propyl Benzoate
molecular structure · PubChem
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
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
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
Traditional Use
Synthesized in the late 19th century as a benzoate ester. Adopted by the cosmetics industry in the mid-20th century as a preservative and fragrance ingredient, designed to provide antimicrobial benefits similar to natural benzoic acid found in some botanical extracts.
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