Methyl Benzoate
INCI: METHYL BENZOATE (BENZOIC ACID, METHYL ESTER)
Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
6 study endpoints found for Methyl 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOEL | 500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | 300 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | 2980 mg/kg bw/day | oral | mouse | oral | REACH |
| LOAEL | 500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | 250 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| LOAEL | 500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Expert Verdict
Generally low toxicity; mild skin irritant at high concentrations; possible eye irritant. As a benzoate ester, it can hydrolyze to benzoic acid and methanol under certain pH conditions - formulation stability and pH control are important. Pleasant fruity/floral odor (ylang-ylang-like); multifunctional ingredient serving as both fragrance and mild preservative; good solvent properties for dissolving other actives and fragrance compounds; liquid at room temperature
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Methyl Benzoate safe in cosmetics?
Generally low toxicity; mild skin irritant at high concentrations; possible eye irritant. As a benzoate ester, it can hydrolyze to benzoic acid and methanol under certain pH conditions - formulation stability and pH control are important. Pleasant fruity/floral odor (ylang-ylang-like); multifunctional ingredient serving as both fragrance and mild preservative; good solvent properties for dissolving other actives and fragrance compounds; liquid at room temperature The EU classifies Methyl Benzoate as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 6 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Is Methyl Benzoate allowed in the EU?
Methyl Benzoate EU regulatory status: restricted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Methyl Benzoate do in cosmetics?
Methyl Benzoate functions as: Fragrance, Preservative, Skin Conditioning (Emollient), Solvent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 93-58-3.
What is the Margin of Safety for Methyl Benzoate?
not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
What is the NOAEL for Methyl Benzoate?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Methyl Benzoate is 500 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 6 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.
Is Methyl Benzoate classified as hazardous under GHS?
Methyl Benzoate carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Combustible liquid 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.
Compliance Tools
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