Benzyl salicylate
Benzyl salicylate is listed in Annex III and may only be used under the conditions shown in this record.
Restricted substance— Annex III, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 75
Allergen
Declared fragrance allergen
This substance is on the EU list of fragrance allergens that must be named individually in the ingredient list, rather than being covered by the word "parfum", once it exceeds 0.001% in a leave-on product or 0.01% in a rinse-off product.
Declaration is a labelling duty under Article 19, not a restriction on use. See the allergen record
Chemical identity and properties
CAS 118-58-1PubChem CID 8363
Benzyl Salicylate
Benzyl salicylate is a member of phenols and a benzoate ester. It is functionally related to a salicylic acid. — ChEBI
- IUPAC name
- benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
- Molecular formula
- C14H12O3
- Molecular weight
- 228.24 g/mol
- Exact mass
- 228.078644241 Da
- XLogP3
- 3.2
- Topological polar surface area
- 46.5 Ų
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 1
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 3
- Covalent units
- 1
- Defined stereocentres
- 0
Also known as
Benzyl o-hydroxybenzoateSalicylic Acid Benzyl EsterSalicylic acid, benzyl esterPhenylmethyl 2-hydroxybenzoateFEMA No. 2151Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, phenylmethyl esterSalicylsaeurebenzylester2-Hydroxybenzoic acid phenylmethyl ester
16 more reported names
Salicyclic acid, benzyl esterWAO5MNK9TUNSC-6647RefChem:5597204-262-9NSC 6647Salicylic acid-benzyl esterEINECS 204-262-9Salicyclic acid benzyl esterBRN 2115365Benzyl salicylate, 98%2-Hydroxybenzoic acid, phenylmethyl esterBENZYL SALICYLATE [FHFI]benzylsalicylateCAS-118-58-1CCRIS 4749
External database identifiers
- ChEBI:CHEBI:165211
- ChEMBL:CHEMBL460124
- EPA DTXSID:DTXSID1024598
- PubMed:39159849
- PubMed:27965148
- PubMed:26795242
- PubMed:22458642
- PubMed:22197706
- PubMed:21818364
- PubMed:21429641
- PubMed:21126078
- PubMed:20652544
- PubMed:20495907
- PubMed:20235136
- PubMed:20030880
Evidence from additional scientific databases
NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8363
Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.
- Boiling Point: 406 °F at 26 mmHg (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Boiling Point: 320 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Boiling Point: BP: 211 °C at 2.67 kPa Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Boiling Point: 208.00 °C. @ 26.00 mm Hg Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Boiling Point: 300 °C Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Color/Form: Thick liquid Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Color/Form: Colorless liquid Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: 1.175 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Density: 1.175 g/m cu at 20 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: 1.173-1.183 Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Flash Point: 180 °C (356 °F) - closed cup Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Flash Point: >212 °F (>100 °C) - closed cup Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: 75 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Melting Point: 24 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: 23.4 °C Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Odor: Faint sweet odor Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Physical Description: Benzyl salicylate is a colorless liquid. Melting point near room temperature (18-20 °C). (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Physical Description: CBI; Other Solid; Liquid Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Physical Description: Solid Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
- Physical Description: colourless oily liquid or opaque crystalline mass (tendency to supercool) with a faint, sweet, floral odour Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Refractive Index: Index of Refraction: 1.580-1.581 Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Refractive Index: 1.573-1.584 Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Solubility: Slightly soluble (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Solubility: In water, 8.8 mg/L at 20 °C, pH 6.8-7.1 /OECD Guideline 105 (Water Solubility)/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Miscible with alcohol or ether Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Soluble in 9 vols of 90% alcohol Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: insoluble in water, glycerol; soluble in organic solvents, oils Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Solubility: miscible above 25� (in ethanol) Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
- Vapor Pressure: 7.8X10-5 mm Hg at 25 °C /OECD Guideline 104 (Vapour Pressure Curve)/ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Signal: Warning Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- GHS Hazard Statements: H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P272, P280, P302+P352, P321, P333+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
- Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 0.4% (9 of 2207) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H317 (99%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (76.2%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H411 (24.1%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]; H412 (68.4%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264+P265, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P321, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P391, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 2207 reports by companies from 42 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 9 of 2207 reports by companies.; There are 41 notifications provided by 2198 of 2207 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P261, P264+P265, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P318, P321, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- Signal: Warning Source: Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS), Safe Work Australia
- NFPA Health Rating: 0 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Fire Rating: 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Conclusion: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that Benzyl Salicylate is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing, which may be based on a quantitative risk assessment (QRA). Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
- Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Benzyl salicylate is a thick colorless liquid. Benzyl salicylate is widely used in soap and cosmetic industry as fragrance; also effective in absorbing UV light, and can be used in protective sunscreen lotions. Benzyl salicylate is also used in deodorant sprays. HUMAN STUDIES: Benzyl salicylate has a very low potential to induce hypersensitivity or to elicit reactions presumably attributable to pre-existing sensitization. Estrogenic potential of benzyl salicylate was tested using an in vitro human estrogen receptor alpha(hERalpha)-coactivator recruiting assay. Benzyl salicylate showed obvious in vitro hERalpha agonistic activities and exhibited a higher estrogenic activity compared to bisphenol A. Estrogenic activity was also demonstrated in assays using the estrogen-responsive MCF7 human breast cancer cell line. ANIMAL STUDIES: Benzyl salicylate was not irritating in the isolated bovine cornea test. Erythema was observed in the rabbit skin test. Estrogenic potential of benzyl salicylate was tested using an in vivo immature rodent uterotrophic bioassay. The uterine weights were significantly increased in mice treated with 11.1, 33.3, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day be Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 320 was calculated in fish for benzyl salicylate(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 4.31(1) and a regression-derived equation(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 3300(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that benzyl salicylate is expected to have slight mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of benzyl salicylate from moist soil surfaces may be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.7X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 7.8X10-5 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 8.8 mg/L(3). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). Benzyl salicylate is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). Utilizing the Manometric Respirometry test, 93% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(3). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 3300(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that benzyl salicylate is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces may occur(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.7X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 7.8X10-5 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 8.8 mg/L(3). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(4), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 14 and 160 days, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 320(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 4.31(2) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is high(SRC). Utilizing the Manometric Respirometry test, 93% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(3). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), benzyl salicylate which has a vapor pressure of 7.8X10-5 mm Hg at 20 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase benzyl salicylate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 22 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.7X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase benzyl salicylate may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Benzyl salicylate contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Consumer Uses: Other; Fragrance Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Industry Uses: Other; Flavoring and nutrient; Fragrance Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Benzyl Salicylate Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
- Uses: As a fixer in perfumery; in sunscreen preparations. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Perfume fixative, solvent for synthetic musk, sunscreening lotions, soap odorant Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Benzyl salicylate is used as a fixative and solvent for nitro musks and as a fragrance for detergents. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Benzyl salicylate is widely used in soap and cosmetic industry as fragrance; also effective in absorbing UV light, and can be used in protective sunscreen lotions. Benzyl salicylate is also used in deodorant sprays. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Reported uses (ppm):; Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 1994) [Table#8429] Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record
Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.
Additional source coverage and match status
| Source | Result | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| NIH PubChem PUG-View | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.
Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.
Record details
Other restrictions
The presence of the substance must be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1)g when its concentration exceeds:
- 0.001% in leave-on products
- 0.01% in rinse-off products
INCI glossary name
Benzyl salicylate
Chemical name
Benzyl salicylate
Regulatory information
SCCS opinions
- Opinion concerning Essential Oils
- Opinion concerning Fragrance Allergy in Consumers - A Review of the Problem - Analysis of the need for appropriate Consumer Information and Identification of Consumer Allergens
- Opinion concerning the Interim Position on Fragrance Allergy
- Memorandum on the SCCNFP Opinion concerning Fragrance Allergy
- Opinion on Benzyl Salicylate (CAS No. 118-58-1, EC No. 204-262-9) preliminary version of 6-7 June 2023, final version of 26 October 2023 SCCS/1656/23.
Identified ingredients
EU Fragrance Allergen
This substance is linked to an EU fragrance-allergen reference. Check the current Annex III entry for the declaration threshold and any additional conditions.
Key data
Inventory links for Benzyl salicylate
Related records for Benzyl salicylate
Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex III are shown as well.
Annex III
73
Nearby record in the same annex
ISOEUGENOL
CAS: 97-54-1; 5932-68-3; 5912-86-7
EC: 202-590-7; 227-678-2; 227-633-7
Annex III
70
Nearby record in the same annex
Citral; Geranial; Neral
CAS: 5392-40-5; 141-27-5; 106-26-3
EC: 226-394-6; 205-476-5; 203-379-2
What Annex III means for Benzyl salicylate
Benzyl salicylate is a restricted substance under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Its use in cosmetics is only permitted under the specific conditions set out in the entry above, including applicable concentration limits, product type restrictions and required warning statements.
When including this substance in a formulation, all conditions — maximum concentration, product scope and warning labels — must be met simultaneously. Compliance with one condition does not override the others.
This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.
Compliance checklist
- Document conditions of use in the Product Information File (PIF).
- This substance is a regulated fragrance allergen. Declare it on the label by INCI name above 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products.
Frequently asked questions
Benzyl salicylate is listed in Annex III of EU Regulation 1223/2009 as a restricted substance. It may only be used under the conditions specified in the entry, including any maximum concentration, product type limitation and required warning statements shown above.
CAS 118-58-1 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Benzyl salicylate by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.
Yes. Benzyl salicylate is on the EU list of regulated fragrance allergens. It must be declared on the cosmetic product label by its INCI name when present above 0.001% in leave-on products or above 0.01% in rinse-off products, as required by EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
Source note for Annex III record Benzyl salicylate
This page summarizes one Annex III record for Benzyl salicylate from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.
Use this record page to review Annex III conditions for Benzyl salicylate, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.
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