Fragrance ingredient and natural component of Tolu balsam. On the EU list of 26 fragrance allergens.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Mandatory EU labeling above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products. Can trigger contact dermatitis.
Benzyl Benzoate is an aromatic ester of benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid. A natural component of Tolu and Peruvian balsams and ylang-ylang. In pharmaceuticals it is the active ingredient of antiscabies ointments; in cosmetics it serves as a fragrance component and aroma stabiliser. Mechanism. At cosmetic doses it has no standalone skin activity. In pharmaceutical form (25% ointment) it paralyses the scabies mite Sarcoptes scabiei through neurotoxic effects on the mite's nervous system. Where applied. Cosmetics: fragrances, perfume oils, products with natural essential oils (0.001–0.3%). Pharmaceuticals: prescription 25% emulsion and ointment for scabies and pediculosis (Antiscabiosum, Scabia – prescription in Spain). The cosmetic concentration is hundreds of times lower than the pharmaceutical one. Safety. Listed among the EU's 26 mandatory fragrance allergens – over 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off requires a label declaration. Allergic contact dermatitis in 1–2% of patients in patch tests. In patients with pollinosis and birch-pollen allergy cross-reactivity is possible. Pregnancy – use with caution. Pharmaceutical use of benzyl benzoate in pregnancy is contraindicated in the first trimester (systemic skin absorption with daily large-area application has been reported). In cosmetics the concentration is hundreds of times lower and the risk is purely theoretical, but AEMPS and SEGO recommend products without benzyl benzoate in marked sensitivity. Lactation – likewise with caution. Particularly avoid applying to the breast skin. Realistic assessment. Safe at cosmetic concentrations in healthy adults without fragrance allergies. In children under 2 years, pregnancy, and atopic dermatitis – choose products without it.
Irritation potential
MediumAllergen risk
HighPregnancy
CautionThe Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Benzyl Benzoate should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
Benzyl Benzoate suits: normal, dry, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Benzyl Benzoate has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Benzyl Benzoate has high allergen potential. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before facial application.
Fragrance ingredient and natural component of Tolu balsam.
Published: · updated:
Suitable for
Use with caution
The INCI name is Benzyl Benzoate.