10.0
ISS Score
A+ — Excellent — very low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance · solvent · flavoring agent · preservative
Benzyl Acetate
Also known as: Benzyl ethanoate, Benzyl acetate, Phenyl acetate
Molecular Formula
C9H10O2
Molecular Weight
150.17 g/mol
Category
fragrance ingredient
Bottom Line: Benzyl acetate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- not ingested in large amounts
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have a history of allergies
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to benzyl compounds
- you have asthma or respiratory issues
- you are using products for children
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C9H10O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 150.17 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -60.7°C |
| Boiling Point | 419.9°C |
| Solubility | miscible at room temperature (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 2 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test first.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used as a flavoring agent; ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in formulations; check for allergies before use.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Safe for household use; avoid inhalation of concentrated forms.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Not commonly used in supplements; consult a healthcare provider.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Benzyl acetate is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of benzyl acetate can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and other adverse effects.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of benzyl acetate vapors may cause respiratory irritation, especially in high concentrations.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes can cause irritation and discomfort; rinsing is advised if exposure occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposure.
- pregnant — Limited safety data during pregnancy.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with proper use.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe with caution.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for benzyl acetate exposure. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of benzyl acetate during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to the effects of benzyl acetate. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution is recommended. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Benzyl acetate is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low risk for most users.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization observed | EFSA Opinion (2018) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Benzyl acetate is widely used in cosmetics and food, with safety assessments indicating low risk for most users.
- Commonly used as a fragrance and flavoring agent.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Benzyl Acetate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Benzyl acetate is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Benzyl Acetate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Benzyl acetate is safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Benzyl Acetate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Benzyl acetate is safe for use as a food flavoring agent.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Benzyl acetate is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Benzyl acetate may cause irritation in sensitive individuals; patch testing is recommended.
Yes, benzyl acetate is permitted as a flavoring agent in food products.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if you experience a reaction.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:21:34.079747Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.