7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
emollient · solvent · fragrance ingredient · skin conditioning agent
Hexyl Benzoate
Molecular Formula
C13H18O2
Molecular Weight
206.28 g/mol
Category
ester
Bottom Line: Hexyl Benzoate 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
- applied to intact skin
- not combined with known irritants
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other active ingredients
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to benzoates
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C13H18O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 206.28 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 272.0°C |
| Solubility | miscible at room temperature (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.9 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, creams. Generally safe for topical use, but patch test first.
Food
Flavoring agents, food additives. Used in small amounts; consult food safety guidelines.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, transdermal patches. Safe in formulations; follow dosage instructions.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid direct skin contact.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Hexyl Benzoate is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Hexyl Benzoate may cause gastrointestinal discomfort; use caution.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but prolonged exposure may cause irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; avoid direct exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher risk of skin irritation and adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Increased sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- sensitive_skin — More prone to irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Typically low risk, but caution is advised.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for cosmetic ingredients. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Pregnant individuals may have heightened sensitivity to chemicals. |
| infants_children | High | Children's skin is more sensitive, increasing risk of irritation. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on effects during breastfeeding; caution advised. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may react adversely to this ingredient. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Hexyl Benzoate is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food applications, with moderate concerns for sensitive individuals.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | >5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | 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
Hexyl Benzoate is assessed for safety in cosmetics and food applications, with moderate concerns for sensitive individuals.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics.
- Limited data on food safety; used in low concentrations.
- May cause irritation in some users.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Hexyl Benzoate
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Hexyl Benzoate
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for cosmetic use with restrictions on concentration.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Hexyl Benzoate
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe in food applications.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Hexyl Benzoate is generally permitted in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with some restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Max 10% in cosmetics
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Hexyl Benzoate is generally safe, but those with sensitive skin should patch test first.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products containing Hexyl Benzoate during pregnancy.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:11:26.009699Z | — | 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.