Ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid with a mild floral scent. Listed among the 26 mandatory EU fragrance allergens.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Positive patch-test frequency is around 0.5%. Required on labels at 0.001%+ in leave-on cosmetics.
Benzyl Salicylate is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid with a soft sweet-floral scent. A natural component of ylang-ylang, clove, and jasmine essential oils. In cosmetics it is a fragrance component and a UV stabiliser for perfume notes. Mechanism. At cosmetic doses it has no standalone skin activity. Absorbs a narrow UVB band and protects volatile fragrance components from fading in sunlight. At 1–5% it is part of fragrance accords in perfumes and eaux de toilette. Where applied. Perfumes, fragrances, scented creams and shampoos. Not used in dermocosmetics as a standalone ingredient – only as part of a fragrance composition. 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 0.5–1.5% of patients in patch tests. SCCS in 2019 raised the question of a possible weak estrogenic activity in vitro – continued monitoring in 2024; no formal restrictions as of May 2026. Pregnancy – use with caution. No direct teratogenicity data, but due to possible estrogen-like in vitro activity, AEMPS and SEGO recommend selecting fragrance products without benzyl salicylate in the first trimester. In leave-on products at cosmetic concentrations the risk is purely theoretical. Lactation – also with caution. Particularly avoid applying to the breast skin. Realistic assessment. Safe in healthy adults without fragrance allergies. In children under 2, pregnancy, and atopic dermatitis – choose products without it.
Irritation potential
MediumAllergen risk
ModeratePregnancy
CautionFor sensitive skin
Sensitive skin may show cross-reactions with other salicylates. Avoid in atopic dermatitis.
The 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 Salicylate should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
Benzyl Salicylate suits: normal. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Benzyl Salicylate has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid with a mild floral scent.
The INCI name is Benzyl Salicylate.
Published: · updated:
Suitable for
Use with caution