What is benzyl benzoate used for in cosmetics?

Benzyl benzoate serves as both a fragrance fixative (helping scents last longer) and a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It occurs naturally in some plant-based materials like balsams.

Can benzyl benzoate cause allergies?

Benzyl benzoate is one of 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens and can trigger contact sensitization in a minority of users. Contact allergy to it is documented but uncommon.

fragrance · solvent

Benzyl Benzoate

Watch if sensitive·Moderate evidence

A fragrance fixative and solvent found naturally in balsams and used to help scents last longer. It is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens, with documented but uncommon contact sensitization.

Worth knowing

EU-labelled fragrance allergen
Known contact sensitizer for some
Restricted in the EU

EU cosmetics regulation requires labeling when present above 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products, as one of 26 designated fragrance allergens.

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Fragrance

Questions

What is benzyl benzoate used for in cosmetics?: Benzyl benzoate serves as both a fragrance fixative (helping scents last longer) and a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It occurs naturally in some plant-based materials like balsams.
Can benzyl benzoate cause allergies?: Benzyl benzoate is one of 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens and can trigger contact sensitization in a minority of users. Contact allergy to it is documented but uncommon.

Products with Benzyl Benzoate

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.