Is Benzyl Benzoate safe in cosmetics?
Benzyl Benzoate has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 1 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Benzyl Benzoate
Also known as: Benzoic acid, phenylmethyl ester, 4-09-00-00307, Benzyl alcohol benzoic ester, BRN 2049280, Caswell No. 082 (+12 more)
INCI: BENZYL BENZOATE
Benzyl Benzoate (CAS 120-51-4) is a cosmetic fragrance functioning as fragrance; solvent; anti-parasitic. NOAEL 400 mg/kg bw/day (cross-referenced against ToxValDB ECHA IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max Declarable EU allergen; labelling required >10 ppm leave-on / >100 ppm rinse-off. 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 120-51-4 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
fragrance; solvent; anti-parasitic
Safety Rating
MODERATE
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
Declarable EU allergen; labelling required >10 ppm leave-on / >100 ppm rinse-off
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted; RIFM-assessed; also used as pharmaceutical anti-parasitic agent
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 Benzoate.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
1 study endpoint found for Benzyl Benzoate. 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 | =781 mg/kg bw/day | dermal | Rat | short-term | ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.
Pre-Calculated Safety Assessment
Pre-calculated NOAEL → SED → MoS audit trail for Benzyl Benzoate across SCCS product categories, with measured dermal absorption where available.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Benzyl Benzoate based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
fragrance
EU Allergen Listed
yes
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.4%
Cross-reactivity Group
balsam-of-peru-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
IFRA Restricted
Source: ESSCA/IVDK
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Benzyl Benzoate, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
18-32%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis/dermis
Molecular Weight
212.2 Da
Log P
3.97
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
12-28%
Safety Margin Factor
high
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: SCCS/1459/11, IFRA
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 | >2 mL/kg bw | Rabbit | dermal | acute | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | >2000 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | =3253 mg/kg | Mouse | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | =1078 mg/kg | Rat | injection | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| LEL | =800 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | chronic | ECHA IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =781 mg/kg-day | Rat | dermal | short-term | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | =1128 mg/kg | Guinea Pig | oral | - | ChemIDplus |
| LD50 | =1579.2 mg/kg | Mouse | oral | - | ChemIDplus |
| LD50 | =1680 mg/kg | Rabbit | oral | - | ChemIDplus |
| LD50 | =4000 mg/kg | Rabbit | dermal | - | ChemIDplus |
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Warning
Pictograms
Harmful / IrritantEnvironmental Hazard
Hazard Class and Category
Acute Tox. 4 *; Aquatic Chronic 2
Hazard Statements
- H302 Harmful if swallowed
- H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Inserted via ATP: ATP01
Sensitization AOP Dashboard
Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.
DPRA Cys %
0.2%
DPRA Lys %
3%
KeratinoSens IC50
767.19 µM
hCLAT CV75
297 µg/mL
LLNA EC3
17%
NESIL
19440 µg/cm²
LLNA: Weak (1B)
GHS: 1B
Human: positive
Source: LLNA: Gerberick et al. (2005); DPRA: Gerberick et al. 2007 [DOI:10.1093/toxsci/kfm064]; KS: Natsch et al. 2013 [DOI:10.1002/jat.2868]; hCLAT: Nukada et al. 2013 [DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2012.11.006]; HPPT: [65] Kligman AM (1970): Report to RIFM, 1 June, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRIPT | 108 | 0 | 59050 | 59050 | non-sensitizer |
| HMT | - | 0 | 19440 | - | - |
| OECD_DA_Human | - | 0 | - | - | Non-sensitizer |
Endocrine Disruptor Evidence (Expanded)
Cross-referenced EDC classifications, mechanism data, and dose-response evidence from EDLists, SIN List, and cosmetic-specific detail sources.
Cosmetic-Specific Mechanism
Category: fragrance
Receptor targets: ERα (limited); TR
LOEC: 10 µM
EU status: allowed (allergen labeling)
modulator
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
1,000 - 10,000 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.
SA Saudi SFDA (III - Restricted)
BRIN Brazil/India Cosmetics
Brazil: Restricted (Fragrance Allergen) · max >0.001% leave-on / >0.01% rinse-off requires labeling
India: Restricted
IFRA Concentration Limits (12 Product Categories)
International Fragrance Association standards per product category. Restriction: Restriction. Effective: 2021-02-10.
| Category | Max % | Category | Max % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Lip products) | 0.42% | 7a (Deodorant – not spray) | 0.55% |
| 2 (Body spray) | 0.13% | 7b (Deodorant spray) | 0.55% |
| 3 (Body cream) | 0.55% | 8 (Face cream) | 0.11% |
| 4 (Fine fragrance) | 1.6% | 9 (Soap) | 1.4% |
| 5a (Body lotion) | 0.4% | 10a (Household – non-spray) | 1.4% |
| 5b (Face cream leave-on) | 0.33% | 10b (Household – spray) | 6.0% |
| 5c (Hand cream) | 0.4% | 11a (Intimate – leave-on) | 0.11% |
| 5d (Baby cream) | 0.11% | 11b (Intimate – rinse) | 0.11% |
| 6 (Mouthwash) | 0.33% | 12 (Not for consumer exposure) | No Restriction% |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
allergen_detail
{"eu_allergen_listed": "yes", "allergen_class": "fragrance", "cross_reactivity_group": "balsam-of-peru-group", "patch_test_frequency_pct": "0.4", "sensitization_rate": "low", "common_reaction_type": "contact-dermatitis", "ifra_restricted": "yes", "source": "ESSCA/IVDK"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "0.1", "max_concentration_pct": "2.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "1.0", "product_type": "Body Lotion", "function_at_concentration": "Fragrance component, solvent", "source": "EU Cosmetics Regulation (labeling required)"}
dermal_absorption
{"molecular_weight_da": "212.2", "log_p_value": "3.97", "skin_penetration_level": "epidermis", "penetration_depth": "epidermis/dermis", "absorption_pct": "18-32", "systemic_absorption": "yes", "penetration_enhancer": "yes", "occlusion_effect": "no", "vehicle_dependent": "yes", "skin_barrier_effect": "neutral", "bioavailability_topical_pct": "12-28", "safety_margin_factor": "high", "source": "SCCS/…
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "yes", "biodegradation_days": "60-120", "bioaccumulative": "no", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "moderate", "coral_reef_safe": "yes", "marine_toxicity": "moderate-high toxicity", "freshwater_toxicity": "toxic to aquatic life", "endocrine_disruptor": "no", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "no", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no", "eu_restricted_environmen…
fragrance
{"cas_number": "120-51-4", "ingredient_class": "aroma_chemical", "chemical_class": "ester", "odor_family": "floral", "odor_description": "Faint balsamic, slightly sweet", "odor_strength": "light", "odor_tenacity_hours": "12.0", "top_note": "no", "heart_note": "yes", "base_note": "yes", "blending_factor_1_10": "4.0", "threshold_of_detection_ppb": "500.0", "molecular_weight_Da": "212.24", "boiling_p…
pediatric_safety
{"safe_for_newborn_0_6m": "caution", "safe_for_infant_6_12m": "caution", "safe_for_toddler_1_3y": "caution", "safe_for_child_3_12y": "yes", "safe_for_teen_12_18y": "yes", "pediatric_max_concentration_pct": "0.5", "adult_max_concentration_pct": "unlimited", "pediatric_dermal_absorption_factor": "higher", "immature_skin_barrier_risk": "moderate", "oral_ingestion_risk": "low", "eye_irritation_risk": …
pregnancy_detail
{"pregnancy_safe": "yes", "breastfeeding_safe": "insufficient-data", "risk_category": "not-rated", "reason": "Fragrance/solvent; safe at cosmetic levels topically", "source": "dermatology literature"}
preservative
{"preservative_class": "Benzoate ester", "antimicrobial_spectrum_bacteria_gp": "Weak", "antimicrobial_spectrum_bacteria_gn": "Weak", "antimicrobial_spectrum_yeast": "Weak", "antimicrobial_spectrum_mold": "Weak", "mic_staph_aureus_ppm": "8000", "mic_e_coli_ppm": "8000", "mic_pseudomonas_ppm": "8000", "mic_candida_albicans_ppm": "8000", "mic_aspergillus_niger_ppm": "8000", "challenge_test_pass_conce…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Biocide
Deodorizer
Flavouring and nutrient
Fragrance
No specific technical function
Plasticizer
Preservative
Solvent
Regulatory List Membership (6)
EU Regulated in Personal Care
EU Restricted for Children (Cosmetics)
IFRA Fragrance Transparency List
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
Consumer Product Chemical
EU CosIng Cosmetics Ingredient Database
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Benzyl Benzoate.
Regulatory Flags
allergen-eu
sensitization-risk
eu-labelling-required
ifra-restricted
original-26-allergen
eu_children_restricted
ifra_fragrance
fda_food_additive
eu_cosing_listed
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Benzyl Benzoate by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
10
Lowest NOAEL
400 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
1000 mg/kg bw/day
ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID
ECHA_REACH_reach_study_results_dossiers_23-05-2023.zip
Known Synonyms
Benzoic acid, phenylmethyl ester
4-09-00-00307
Benzyl alcohol benzoic ester
BRN 2049280
Caswell No. 082
EINECS 204-402-9
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 009501
FEMA No. 2138
FEMA Number 2138
Scabitox
Benzoesaeurebenzylester
Peruscabina
Benzylum benzoicum
Benzylis benzoas
Antiscabiosum
Benzylester kyseliny benzoove
UNII-N863NB338G
Chemical Function
Fragrance
Regulatory Lists
Europe
detected; Europe; Personal care - nails - nail polish
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Cleaning products and household care - air freshener; detected; Europe; Vehicle - car interior - auto air freshener
Europe; Personal care - body hygiene - hand soap
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
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
BENZYL BENZOATE
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL1239
Max Phase
4
Adverse Event Associations
13
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benzyl Benzoate allowed in the EU?
Benzyl Benzoate EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: Declarable EU allergen; labelling required >10 ppm leave-on / >100 ppm rinse-off. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Benzyl Benzoate do in cosmetics?
Benzyl Benzoate functions as: fragrance; solvent; anti-parasitic. It is classified as a Fragrance in our database. CAS number: 120-51-4.
What is the NOAEL for Benzyl Benzoate?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Benzyl Benzoate is =781 mg/kg bw/day based on a short-term study via dermal route in Rat. Source: ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID.
Is Benzyl Benzoate used outside cosmetics?
Benzyl Benzoate 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.
Compliance Tools
Check Benzyl Benzoate 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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