Is Benzyl Acetate safe in cosmetics?
Benzyl Acetate has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Benzyl Acetate
Also known as: Acetic acid, phenylmethyl ester, Caswell No. 081EA, EINECS 205-399-7, FEMA No. 2135, NCI-C06508 (+11 more)
INCI: BENZYL ACETATE
Benzyl Acetate (CAS 140-11-4) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Perfuming, Masking, Solvent. NOAEL 480 mg/kg bw/day (cross-referenced against ToxValDB ECHA IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. 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 140-11-4 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Benzyl Acetate is classified GHS Danger (H412, H227, H315, H319, H336, H370, H372, H373) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Perfuming, Masking, Solvent
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Chemistry & Identifiers
IUPAC Name
benzyl acetate
InChIKey
QUKGYYKBILRGFE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
FDA-approved GRAS for flavor use (21 CFR 172.515); FEMA #2135; no specific cosmetic restrictions
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Benzyl Acetate.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Benzyl Acetate. 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 | =175 mg/kg bw/day | - | Rat; Mouse; Rabbit; Hamster | Toxicology study | INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05 |
| NOAEL | =175 mg/kg bw/day | - | Rat; Mouse; Rabbit; Hamster | Toxicology study | INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05 |
| NOAEL | =315 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | Toxicology study | INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05 |
| NOAEL | =315 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | Toxicology study | INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05 |
| NOAEL | =500 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | Toxicology study | INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05 |
| NOAEL | =500 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | Toxicology study | INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05 |
| NOAEL | =550 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | Toxicology study | INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05 |
| NOAEL | =550 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | Toxicology study | INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05 |
| NOAEL | =1310 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | Toxicology study | INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05 |
| NOAEL | =1310 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | Toxicology study | INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05 |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Short-term Exposure Effects
The vapour is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause unconsciousness.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the kidneys.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.
Pre-Calculated Safety Assessment
Pre-calculated NOAEL → SED → MoS audit trail for Benzyl Acetate across SCCS product categories, with measured dermal absorption where available.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Benzyl Acetate based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
fragrance
EU Allergen Listed
yes
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.2%
Cross-reactivity Group
none
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
IFRA Restricted
Source: EU 2023/1545; SCCS
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOAEL | =936 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | chronic | ECHA IUCLID |
| LOAEL | =4800 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | subchronic | ECHA IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =100 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =1870 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =1750 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =1000 mg/kg-day | Mouse | oral | short-term | ECHA IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =1000 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | short-term | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | >5000 mg/kg | Rabbit | dermal | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| NOEL | =1600 mg/kg-day | Mouse | oral | short-term | ECOTOX |
| LEL | =40 mg/kg-day | Mouse | oral | chronic | ToxRefDB |
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
3
Volume
40, Sup 7, 71
Evaluation Year
1998
Sensitization AOP Dashboard
Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.
NESIL
1860 µg/cm²
GHS: 1B
Human: positive
Source: HPPT: [103] Greif N (1967): Cutaneous safety of fragrance material as measured by the maximization test.
HRIPT Human Patch Test Studies
5 human repeat insult patch tests aggregated from dermatological literature.
| Test Type | N | Sensitized | Dose µg/cm² | NESIL µg/cm² | Potency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMT | - | 0 | 4965.52 | - | - |
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 2092.5 | - | - |
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 5231.26 | - | - |
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 5580.01 | - | - |
| HRIPT | - | 0 | 8503.94 | - | - |
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
10,000 - 100,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Additional Ingredient Properties
1 property record from structured ingredient metadata.
allergen_detail
{"eu_allergen_listed": "yes", "allergen_class": "fragrance", "patch_test_frequency_pct": "0.2", "sensitization_rate": "low", "common_reaction_type": "contact-dermatitis", "ifra_restricted": "yes", "source": "EU 2023/1545; SCCS"}
PubChem Annotations
Safety and regulatory annotations from PubChem (NCBI) aggregated sources.
Safety (8)
Carcinogen Classification
3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (L135)
Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
Carcinogen Classification
Benzyl acetate | Group 3: Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans | Volume 40: (1986) Some Naturally Occurring and Synthetic Food Components, Furocoumarins and Ultraviolet Radiation | Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print) | Volume 71: (1999) Re-evaluation of Some Organic
Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Carcinogen Classification
Benzyl Acetate | TR-431: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Benzyl Acetate (CASRN 140-11-4) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies) (1993 ) | 12/01/92 | No Evidence | No Evidence | No Evidence | No Evidence | Under the conditions of these 2-year feed studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of benzyl acetate in male or female F344/N rats receiving 3,000, 6,000,
Source: NTP Technical Reports
Carcinogen Classification
Benzyl acetate | TR-250: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Benzyl Acetate (CASRN 140-11-4) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies) (1986 ) | 11/02/84 | Equivocal Evidence | No Evidence | Some Evidence | Some Evidence | Under the conditions of these gavage studies, benzyl acetate increased the incidence of acinar-cell adenomas of the exocrine pancreas in male F344/N rats; th
Source: NTP Technical Reports
Evidence for Carcinogenicity
Evaluation: No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of benzyl acetate were available. There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of benzyl acetate. Overall evaluation: Benzyl acetate is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity in humans (Group 3). | A4; Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Regulatory (2)
JECFA Number
23
Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
JECFA Evaluation
ACETIC ACID PHENYLMETHYL ESTER | 2001 | 0-5 mg/kg bw (1996) | No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent. The 1996 group ADI of 0-5 mg/kg bw for benzoic acid, the benzoate salts (calcium, potassium and sodium), benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol and benzyl benzoate, expressed as benzoic acid equivalents, was maintained at the fifty-seventh meeting (2001
Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Deodorizer
Flavouring and nutrient
Fragrance
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Regulatory List Membership (3)
IFRA Fragrance Transparency List
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
Consumer Product Chemical
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Benzyl Acetate.
Regulatory Flags
ifra_fragrance
fda_food_additive
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Benzyl Acetate by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
17
Lowest NOAEL
100 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
1870 mg/kg bw/day
ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID
INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05
Known Synonyms
Acetic acid, phenylmethyl ester
Caswell No. 081EA
EINECS 205-399-7
FEMA No. 2135
NCI-C06508
UNII-0ECG3V79ZJ
Acetic acid benzyl ester
Acetic acid phenylmethyl ester
Benzyl acetate + glycine combination
Benzyl ester of acetic acid
Benzylester kyseliny octove
FEMA 2135
Nchem.167-comp5
Phenylmethyl ethanoate
Plastolin I
alpha-Acetoxytoluene
Chemical Function
Fragrance
Regulatory Lists
air; detected; emissions; Europe; Vehicle - car interior - auto air freshener
detected; Europe; Vehicle - car interior
detected; Europe; Personal care - sexual wellness
detected; Europe; Personal care - sexual wellness
air; detected; emissions; Europe; Vehicle - car interior - auto air freshener
air; Cleaning products and household care - air freshener; detected; emissions; Europe
pharmaceutical
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
air; consumer_product; detected; emissions
air; Cleaning products and household care - laundry and fabric treatment; detected; emissions
air; detected; emissions; Personal care
air; Cleaning products and household care - air freshener; detected; emissions
detected; Europe; Other direct contact consumer goods
detected; Europe; Other direct contact consumer goods
detected; Europe; Personal care - sexual wellness
Europe; Personal care - sexual wellness
detected; Europe; Personal care - liniment
Europe; Personal care - liniment
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
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
E1501
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL1233714
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benzyl Acetate allowed in the EU?
Benzyl Acetate EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Benzyl Acetate do in cosmetics?
Benzyl Acetate functions as: Perfuming, Masking, Solvent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 140-11-4.
What is the NOAEL for Benzyl Acetate?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Benzyl Acetate is =175 mg/kg bw/day based on a Toxicology study study via oral route in Rat; Mouse; Rabbit; Hamster. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: INCHEM_WHO_jecfa_jecmono_v37je05.
Is Benzyl Acetate used outside cosmetics?
Benzyl Acetate 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 Benzyl Acetate have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Benzyl Acetate is classified GHS Danger (H412, H227, H315, H319, H336, H370, H372, H373) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Compliance Tools
Check Benzyl Acetate 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
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