Skincare Ingredient
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Benzyl Salicylate
In Skincare: Is Benzyl Salicylate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Benzyl salicylate is a volatile fragrance chemical commonly used in perfumes and cosmetic formulations.
- 02
This ingredient possesses a sweet, floral odor that contributes to the scent profile of various products.
- 03
Benzyl salicylate has been reported to cause adverse skin reactions in some individuals, even at low concentrations.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Benzyl Salicylate
Role of Benzyl Salicylate
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
LIGHT STABILIZER
UV Protector for ProductsProtects products from degradation caused by light exposure
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Light stabilizers prevent photodegradation through UV absorbers that convert light energy to heat (benzophenones, benzotriazoles), radical scavengers (hindered amine light stabilizers), or quenchers that deactivate excited states. These protect photosensitive ingredients like fragrances, colors, and vitamins from degradation during storage. Mechanism involves absorbing UV radiation or scavenging photo-generated free radicals.
PERFUMING
Fragrance ProviderProvides fragrance to enhance product appeal
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Perfuming ingredients add pleasant scents through complex mixtures of natural essential oils, aroma chemicals, and synthetic compounds. These volatile molecules evaporate and interact with olfactory receptors. Perfume construction uses top notes (citrus, herbs - high volatility), middle notes (floral, spice - moderate volatility), and base notes (woods, musks - low volatility) creating evolving scent profile. Must consider stability, allergen declaration, and IFRA compliance.
Products
containing Benzyl Salicylate
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References
Scientific sources
CosmoDerma, June 2022, ePublication
Contact Dermatitis, June 2021, pages 423-430
Contact Dermatitis, October 2019, pages 317-318
The American Journal of Dermatopathology, June 2019, pages 443-447
Advances in Dermatology and Venereology, September 2013, ePublication
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, July 2010, pages 2579-2591
Similar Ingredients
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Frequently Asked Questions
Benzyl Salicylate — common questions
What is Benzyl Salicylate in skincare?
Benzyl salicylate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient, produced through the esterification of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. It presents as a clear colorless liquid with a sweet floral scent.
What does Benzyl Salicylate do? / Functions of Benzyl Salicylate?
Common functions: LIGHT STABILIZER, PERFUMING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Benzyl Salicylate? / Is Benzyl Salicylate comedogenic?
The comedogenic rating of Benzyl Salicylate has not been established in our database.
Does it clog pores?
Whether Benzyl Salicylate clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.
Is Benzyl Salicylate safe for skin?
Benzyl Salicylate has a safety rating of 3 out of 5. A rating of 3 indicates moderate safety considerations. Note: Fragrance allergen with notable skin-sensitization risk; may irritate sensitive skin—subject to EU fragrance allergen labeling requirements. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has assessed Benzyl Sa
Is Benzyl Salicylate good for sensitive skin?
Benzyl Salicylate has an irritancy rating of 4 out of 5. A rating of 4 means it has high irritation potential.
What are the side effects of Benzyl Salicylate in skincare?
Known considerations: Fragrance allergen with notable skin-sensitization risk; may irritate sensitive skin—subject to EU fragrance allergen labeling requirements. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has assessed Benzyl Salicylate as safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.05% in leave-on products and 0.1% in rinse-off products. However, due to its allergenic potential, it is recommended to conduct patch testing in formulations containing this ingredient. Additional risks: skin irritation (irritancy rating 4/5).