Benzyl Salicylate is a synthetic ester of salicylic acid and benzyl alcohol. It is widely used as a fragrance fixative and masking agent with a mild, sweet-floral, balsamic scent reminiscent of ylang-ylang or wintergreen. It also functions as a weak UVB absorber (peak around 305-308 nm) and helps stabilize other UV filters. This clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid is one of the 26 EU-declared fragrance allergens and appears in perfumes, deodorants, hair products, body lotions, creams, and some sunscreens for its scent-enhancing, fixative, and mild photoprotective properties.
Products with BENZYL SALICYLATE
With samples available
Seridefrizz Intense Salon
by Chemyunion
- Sustainable option
Benzyl Salicylate (Nanjing Cosmos Chemical)
by Nanjing Cosmos Chemical
Benzyl salicylate
by Symrise
What is BENZYL SALICYLATE used for?
- Perfuming / Fragrance fixative: Prolongs and rounds fragrance profiles (sweet-floral, balsamic note). Frequently used in fine fragrances, deodorants, body mists, shampoos, conditioners, and scented lotions for lasting scent and depth.
- Masking: Covers or neutralizes unwanted odors from raw materials or bases. Common in functional products (cleansers, shampoos, creams) to improve overall sensory acceptance.
- UV absorber (secondary): Provides limited UVB protection and stabilizes other filters. Used in some sunscreens, day creams, and tinted products for minor photoprotection.
- Skin conditioning (minor): Contributes mild emolliency and soothing effects in leave-on formulations.
Origin
Benzyl Salicylate is produced synthetically by esterification of salicylic acid (from phenol or natural wintergreen oil) with benzyl alcohol (from toluene or natural sources). The reaction is catalyzed by acid or base, followed by distillation and purification to cosmetic-grade purity (>98%). It can be made from petrochemical or renewable precursors (benzyl alcohol from essential oils), but most commercial grades are synthetic for consistency and cost.
What does BENZYL SALICYLATE do in a formulation?
UV ABSORBER|
PERFUMING|
MASKING|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
SOOTHING|
EMOLLIENTSafety Profile
Benzyl Salicylate is considered safe for cosmetic use per the CIR Expert Panel (safe as used) and EU regulations (Annex III). It is one of the 26 mandatory fragrance allergens requiring labeling when present above 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products. It has a moderate hazard rating from EWG (typically 4-6) due to potential for contact allergy/sensitization (especially in fragrance-sensitive individuals) and weak estrogenic activity in some in-vitro studies (low relevance at cosmetic levels). Well-tolerated in most users at typical concentrations (0.1-2%). Patch testing recommended for sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Not classified as carcinogenic or reproductive toxicant for topical use. Approved by EU COSING for perfuming and masking functions with allergen labeling requirements.
BENZYL SALICYLATE alternatives
BENZYL SALICYLATE technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | 300°C |
| Melting Point | < -20°C |
| pH | Neutral |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, oils, and most fragrance solvents |
| Viscosity | Low (~10-20 mPa·s at 20°C) |