Is Benzoic Acid safe in cosmetics?
Benzoic Acid has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Benzoic Acid
Also known as: Benzoesaeure GK, Benzoesaeure GV, Benzoic acid, tech., Caswell No. 081, EINECS 200-618-2 (+15 more)
INCI: BENZOIC ACID
Benzoic Acid (CAS 65-85-0) is a cosmetic preservative functioning as Preservative; broad-spectrum antimicrobial (bacteria, fungi, yeasts at acidic. Reported NOAEL 25 mg/kg bw/day in rat (COSMOS_DB); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 0.5%; GHS signal word WARNING. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 65-85-0 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Benzoic Acid is classified GHS Danger (H302, H315, H318, H319, H372, H361, H373, H402) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 0.5%.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status/eu_max; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Preservative; broad-spectrum antimicrobial (bacteria, fungi, yeasts at acidic pH)
Safety Rating
GOOD
Chemistry & Identifiers
IUPAC Name
benzoic acid
InChIKey
WPYMKLBDIGXBTP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
0.5%
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted; GRAS for food use. No US-specific cosmetic concentration cap.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Benzoic Acid.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Benzoic Acid. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | 25 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Developmental | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | =250 mg/kg bw | - | rabbit | NOAEL study | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =250 mg/kg bw | - | rabbit | NOAEL study | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =250 mg/kg bw | - | rabbit | NOAEL study | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =250 mg/kg bw | - | rabbit | NOAEL study | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =300 mg/kg bw | oral | rat | repeated dose toxicity | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =300 mg/kg bw | oral | rat | repeated dose toxicity | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =300 mg/kg bw | oral | rat | repeated dose toxicity | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =300 mg/kg bw | oral | rat | repeated dose toxicity | SCCNFP_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =175 mg/kg bw | oral | rat | NOAEL study | SCCS_vision_codex |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Signal Word
WARNING
Pictograms
Excl markWarnCancerHealth haz
Hazard Statements
Causes serious eye damage May cause damage to lungs if inhaled Harmful to aquatic life
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance is mildly irritating to the skin. Exposure could cause a non-allergic rash on contact.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolongated exposure to an aerosol of this substance.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, by ingestion and through the skin.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Benzoic Acid based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
preservative
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.3%
Cross-reactivity Group
benzoate-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
Source: ESSCA; IVDK; NACDG
EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values
10 toxicity values from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).
| Endpoint | Value | Species | Route | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADI | <=20 mg/kg | Human | oral | - | WHO JECFA ADI |
| LEL | =5000 mg/kg-day | Pig | oral | subchronic | EFSA |
| LEL | =1500 mg/kg-day | Chicken | oral | subchronic | EFSA |
| LD50 | >1700 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | - | EFSA |
| NOAEL | =1310 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | - | EFSA |
| NOAEL | =500 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | - | EFSA |
| NOAEL | =500 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | chronic | EFSA |
| NOAEL | =500 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | chronic | EFSA |
| LEL | =20000 mg/kg-day | Pig | oral | - | EFSA |
| LEL | =10000 mg/kg-day | Pig | oral | - | EFSA |
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Danger
Pictograms
Health HazardCorrosive
Hazard Class and Category
STOT RE 1; Skin Irrit. 2; Eye Dam. 1
Hazard Statements
- H372 (inhalation) (lungs)
- H315 Causes skin irritation
- H318 Causes serious eye damage
Inserted via ATP: ATP06
Sensitization AOP Dashboard
Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.
DPRA Cys %
19.4%
DPRA Lys %
45.75%
KeratinoSens IC50
2000 µM
hCLAT CV75
1000 µg/mL
NESIL
1350 µg/cm²
GHS: 1B
Human: positive
Source: DPRA: Natsch et al. 2013 [DOI:10.1002/jat.2868] | Jaworska 2011 [DOI:10.1002/jat.2869]; KS: Emter et al. 2010 [DOI:10.1016/j.taap.2010.03.009]; hCLAT: Ashikaga et al. 2010 [DOI:10.1177/026119291003800403]; HPPT: [328] Kligman AM (1977): Report to RIFM, 24 May, unpublished.
HRIPT Human Patch Test Studies
3 human repeat insult patch tests aggregated from dermatological literature.
| Test Type | N | Sensitized | Dose µg/cm² | NESIL µg/cm² | Potency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMT | - | 0 | 1350 | - | - |
| HMT | - | 0 | 3750 | - | - |
| HRIPT | - | 0 | - | - | - |
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
100,000 - 1,000,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
JPKR Japan/Korea Cosmetics
Japan (Positive (Preservative)): max 0.20
Korea (Restricted): max 0.5
Japan (Restricted): max 0.2%
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (6)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Max % | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP | restricted | 0.2% | All cosmetics |
| CN | permitted_preservative | 0.5 | All cosmetics |
| IN | permitted_preservative | 0.5 | leave-on products |
| IN | permitted_preservative | 1.7 | oral care products |
| IN | permitted_preservative | 2.5 | rinse-off products (except oral care) |
| BR | permitted_preservative | 2.5 (rinse) / 1.7 (oral) / 0.5 (leave-on) | a) Rinse-off (excl. oral): 2.5% as acid; b) Oral products: 1.7%; c) Leave-on: 0.5% |
Expanded Dermal Absorption Data
Cross-database dermal penetration: EPA Dryad physics-based, Roberts Mendeley permeation, and SCCS-aggregated measured values.
EPA Dryad Skin Absorption (physics-based)
MW: 122.123
LogP: 1.87054
Kp epidermis: 0.03758 cm/h
% dose epidermis: 0.98%
% dose stratum corneum: 0.98%
% dose dermis: 0.99%
Source: EPA_Dryad_Skin_Absorption_2024
Roberts Skin Permeation (Mendeley 2022)
MW: 122.1
Log Kow: 1.9
Log Kp: -1.5086383061657274
Log Jmax: -5.9
Source: Roberts_Cheruvu_Mendeley_2022
Aggregated DA Values (1 records across 5 sources)
| Type | DA % | Method | Skin Model | SCCS Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| measured_sccs_opinion | 0.97% | - | - | SCCP/0891 |
Additional Ingredient Properties
7 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
allergen_detail
{"eu_allergen_listed": "no", "allergen_class": "preservative", "cross_reactivity_group": "benzoate-group", "patch_test_frequency_pct": "0.3", "sensitization_rate": "low", "common_reaction_type": "contact-dermatitis", "ifra_restricted": "no", "source": "ESSCA; IVDK; NACDG"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "0.1", "max_concentration_pct": "0.5", "typical_concentration_pct": "0.5", "product_type": "Toner", "function_at_concentration": "Preservative", "source": "EU Annex V; CIR"}
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "yes", "biodegradation_days": "14-28", "bioaccumulative": "no", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "low", "coral_reef_safe": "yes", "marine_toxicity": "low aquatic toxicity", "freshwater_toxicity": "minimal impact", "endocrine_disruptor": "no", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "no", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no", "eu_restricted_environmental": "no", "pa…
pediatric_safety
{"safe_for_newborn_0_6m": "yes", "safe_for_infant_6_12m": "yes", "safe_for_toddler_1_3y": "yes", "safe_for_child_3_12y": "yes", "safe_for_teen_12_18y": "yes", "pediatric_max_concentration_pct": "0.5", "adult_max_concentration_pct": "0.5", "pediatric_dermal_absorption_factor": "normal", "immature_skin_barrier_risk": "low", "oral_ingestion_risk": "low", "eye_irritation_risk": "moderate", "diaper_are…
ph_stability
{"optimal_ph_min": "3.0", "optimal_ph_max": "5.0", "stable_ph_min": "2.5", "stable_ph_max": "6.0", "degrades_above_ph": "6.5", "ph_dependent_function": "Effective below pH 6; ionizes and loses activity above", "formulation_note": "Loses antimicrobial activity when ionized at pH >6", "source": "Alfa Chemistry 2025; Capsig 2024"}
preservative
{"preservative_class": "Organic acid", "antimicrobial_spectrum_bacteria_gp": "Good", "antimicrobial_spectrum_bacteria_gn": "Moderate", "antimicrobial_spectrum_yeast": "Moderate", "antimicrobial_spectrum_mold": "Yes", "mic_staph_aureus_ppm": "100", "mic_e_coli_ppm": "150", "mic_pseudomonas_ppm": "200", "mic_candida_albicans_ppm": "400", "mic_aspergillus_niger_ppm": "800", "challenge_test_pass_conce…
regulatory
{"eu_status": "allowed", "us_status": "allowed"}
PubChem Annotations
Safety and regulatory annotations from PubChem (NCBI) aggregated sources.
Safety (4)
Carcinogen Classification
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
Evidence for Carcinogenicity
Cancer Classification: Group D Not Classifiable as to Human Carcinogenicity | CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: No human data and inadequate data from animal bioassays. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
ICSC Safety Card
0103
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Skin Eye Respiratory Irritation
Dust irritating to nose and throat if inhaled; solid irritating to skin and eyes. At elevated temp, fumes may cause irritation of eyes, resp system, and skin. | Benzoic acid ... is a mild irritant to the skin. It is also a mild irritant to the eyes and mucus membranes.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Regulatory (3)
JECFA Number
850
Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
JECFA Evaluation
CARBOXYBENZENE | 2021 | 0–20 mg/kg bw | Applying a chemical specific adjustment factor of 2 for interspecies toxicokinetics variation instead of the default factor of 4.0, the Committee established a group ADI of 0–20 mg/kg bw, which applies to benzoic acid, the benzoate salts (calcium, potassium and sodium), benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate, expressed as benzoic ac
Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
EU Food Improvement
Food additives
Source: EU Food Improvement Agents
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Antioxidant
Biocide
Deodorizer
Filler
Flavouring and nutrient
Fragrance
No specific technical function
Plasticizer
Preservative
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Regulatory List Membership (4)
IFRA Fragrance Transparency List
EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL)
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
Consumer Product Chemical
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Benzoic Acid.
Regulatory Flags
preservative
eu-annex-v
organic-acid
ph-dependent
hurdle-technology
endocrine_disruptor
epa_safer_alternative
ifra_fragrance
fda_food_additive
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Benzoic Acid by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
41
Lowest NOAEL
25
Highest NOAEL
3571
Units vary across source rows: mg/kg bw/day, mg/kg bw
COSMOS_DB
ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID
SCCS_vision_codex
SCCNFP_vision_codex
ECHA_REACH_reach_study_results_dossiers_23-05-2023.zip
Dermal Absorption
View details ->| Absorption % | Method | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 0.97% | SCCS opinion extraction | - |
Known Synonyms
Benzoesaeure GK
Benzoesaeure GV
Benzoic acid, tech.
Caswell No. 081
EINECS 200-618-2
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 009101
FEMA No. 2131
Flowers of benjamin
Flowers of benzoin
Unisept BZA
Kyselina benzoova
UNII-8SKN0B0MIM
Aromatic carboxylic acid
Benzenecarboxylate
Benzeneformate
Benzenemethanoate
Benzenemethonic acid
Benzoate
Benzoic acid sodium salt
Carboxybenzene
Chemical Function
Fragrance
Preservative
Deodorizer
Filler
pH regulating agent
Flavouring and nutrient
Regulatory Lists
active_ingredient; agricultural; applied; Pesticides
active_ingredient; agricultural; applied; Pesticides
drinking_water; Europe; manufacturing; plastic_additive
active_ingredient; agricultural; applied; Pesticides
active_ingredient; agricultural; applied; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
artificial_saliva; detected; emissions; Europe; Toys and children's products
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Compound
BENZOIC ACID
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL541
Max Phase
-1
Adverse Event Associations
1
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benzoic Acid allowed in the EU?
Benzoic Acid EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.5%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Benzoic Acid do in cosmetics?
Benzoic Acid functions as: Preservative; broad-spectrum antimicrobial (bacteria, fungi, yeasts at acidic pH). It is classified as a Preservative in our database. CAS number: 65-85-0.
What is the NOAEL for Benzoic Acid?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Benzoic Acid is 25 mg/kg bw/day based on a Developmental study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.
Is Benzoic Acid classified as hazardous under GHS?
Benzoic Acid carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Causes serious eye damage May cause damage to lungs if inhaled Harmful to aquatic life. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.
Is Benzoic Acid used outside cosmetics?
Benzoic Acid also appears in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Benzoic Acid have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Benzoic Acid is classified GHS Danger (H302, H315, H318, H319, H372, H361, H373, H402) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 0.5%.
Compliance Tools
Check Benzoic Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
Related Ingredients
4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid
Excellent
Same category
Preservative, pH Balancer
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Excellent
Same category
preservative booster, chelating agent
Glyceryl Caprylate
Excellent
Same category
Antimicrobial agent; emollient; prese...
Levulinic Acid
Excellent
Same category
Preservative (combination systems); a...
Potassium Sorbate
Excellent
Same category
preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Excellent
Same category
preservative
(AGARICUS BLAZEI FERMENT + GANODERMA LUCIDUM FERMENT + GANODERMA MULTIPILEUM FERMENT) EXTRACT
Good
Similar safety
Anti-sebum, Antioxidant, Skin Protecting
(ANGELICA ACUTILOBA/PAEONIA LACTIFLORA/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA) ROOT/CNIDIUM OFFICINALE RHIZOME EXTRACT
Good
Similar safety
Skin Conditioning, Skin Conditioning ...
(ANGELICA ACUTILOBA/PAEONIA LACTIFLORA/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA/SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS) ROOT/(CNIDIUM OFFICINALE/COPTIS CHINENSIS) RHIZOME/GARDENIA JASMINOIDES FRUIT/PHELLODENDRON CHINENSE BARK EXTRACT
Good
Similar safety
(ANGELICA GIGAS/GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT)/ANGELICA GIGAS STEM/CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS FLOWER/(CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS/PRUNUS PERSICA SEED)PORIA COCOS WATER
Good
Similar safety
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Pr...
(ANGELICA KEISKEI/CHRYSANTHEMUM ZAWADSKII) LEAF/STEM/CINNAMOMUM CASSIA BARK/TRICHOSANTES KIRILOWII FRUIT/ULMUS DAVIDIANA BARK/ROOT/(PAEONIA JAPONICA/BUPLEURUM FALCATUM/POLYGALA TENUIFOLIA ROOT)/VISCUS ALBUM STEM EXTRACT
Good
Similar safety
Anti-seborrheic, Anti-sebum, Antioxid...
(APPLE/CITRUS JUNOS/LENTIL/PEAR/PUMPKIN/STRAWBERRY/TOMATO FRUIT)/CORN KERNEL/(ARCTIUM LAPPA/BRASSICA OLERACEA ACEPHALA/CABBAGE/CAMELLIA SINENSIS/MORINGA OLEIFERA/RADISH/SPINACH LEAF)/(SORGHUM BICOLOR LEAF/STEM)/OAT MEAL/POTATO PULP/(CARROT/NELUMBO NUCIFERA/RADISH/WILD YAM ROOT)/(AMARANTHUS HYPOCHONDRIACUS/CASHEW/CICER ARIETINUM/COIX LACRYMA-JOBI MA-YUEN /MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA/PHASEOLUS ANGULARIS/PISTACIA VERA/RHYNCHOSIA NULUBILIS/RICE/SESAME/SETARIA ITALICA/SOYBEAN/SWEET ALMOND/WHEAT SEED)/HORDEUM VULGARE SPROUT/CYPERUS ESCULENTUS TUBER/ARTEMISIA PRINCEPS/BROCCOLI/CHENOPODIUM QUINOA/ENTEROMORPHA COMPRESSA/HORDEUM VULGARE/IPOMOEA BATATAS/LAMINARIA JAPONICA/LENTINUS EDODES/PLEUROTUS OSTREATUS/PORPHYRA TENERA/UNDARIA PINNATIFIDA EXTRACT
Good
Similar safety
Antioxidant
Acetyl Methionine
Excellent
Chemical family
Skin conditioning; antioxidant
Cytidine
Excellent
Chemical family
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
OROTIC ACID
Good
Chemical family
Skin Conditioning
Is Benzoic Acid in Your Products?
Scan any product label with Piro — our free ingredient scanner. Point your camera at the ingredients list and get instant safety scores for every ingredient.
Try Piro Free →Analyze Your Full Ingredient List
Paste any INCI list into the Decoder for instant safety analysis, or calculate the Margin of Safety for Benzoic Acid in your formulation.