Benzyl Benzoate

Worst

Fragrance Synthetic and Natural

No known benefits

Benzyl Benzoate at a glance

  • Volatile fragrance ingredient and solvent known to irritate skin
  • Disrupts naturally protective lipids within skin
  • Used in many beauty products, including baby care, skin care, hair products, and makeup
  • Found in plants such as plumeria and cinnamon but can also be synthetically made

Benzyl Benzoate description

Benzyl benzoate is a volatile fragrance ingredient and solvent with documented skin irritancy effects. As one study points out, benzyl benzoate’s small molecular size allows it to penetrate deeply, disrupting skin’s naturally protective lipids and then exacerbating the sensitizing response it triggers. Despite its potential to irritate skin, benzyl benzoate is used in a wide variety of personal care products, including baby products, makeup, hair care and skin products. Benzyl benzoate is found naturally in plants such as balsam of Peru, plumeria, and cinnamon leaf but it can also be created synthetically for use in cosmetics. It results from the condensation of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. Depending on the source, benzyl benzoate’s aroma may have floral, herbal or sweet fruit notes. As with all fragrance ingredients, the potential for skin irritancy decreases if benzyl benzoate is included in the formula in ultra-low amounts (meaning you’ll see it at the bottom of the ingredient list).

Benzyl Benzoate references

  • Molecules, January 2022, pages 1-20
  • Nature, December 2020, pages S2-S3
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2017, pages 5S-30S
  • Flavour and Fragrance Journal, July 1999, pages 237-240
  • Flavour and Fragrance Journal, July 1995, pages 239-242

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.