What it is
The benzyl ester of benzoic acid, a clear oily liquid with a faint sweet-balsamic odour.
What it does
Fragrance ingredient, solvent for other fragrance compounds, and an active ingredient in topical scabies treatments.
Why it’s a concern
Identified by the EU as one of 26 fragrance allergens requiring label disclosure due to contact sensitisation. Can cause hives and dermatitis in sensitised individuals. Toxicity is modest at cosmetic concentrations but cumulative exposure adds to the allergen burden of scented products.
Also known as
benzyl phenylformate
CAS numbers
120-51-4
Commonly found in
perfumelotionshampoo
Safer alternatives
- fragrance-free products
- disclosed simple essential oils
Related chemical families
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III