fragrance component
Benzyl Salicylate
Common fragrance fixative and UV absorber in fine fragrances. Part of the EU's extended 56-allergen fragrance disclosure list, placing it under increasing transparency and regulatory scrutiny.
Benefits
- Contributes sweet, floral, balsamic fragrance character
- UV-absorbing properties protect fragrance stability
- Fixative — extends top note longevity
- Available from synthetic and natural sources
- Contributes middle/base note complexity
Example uses
- Eau de cologne and fine fragrance
- Floral perfume compositions
- Scented body lotions
- Fragrance-preserved haircare
- Scented candles
Mechanism of action
Functions as fragrance component via direct olfactory receptor stimulation. Secondary UV-absorbing capacity from benzoate chromophore (~300 nm), photostabilising co-fragrance compounds. Ester bond is subject to hydrolysis in alkaline aqueous environments.
Clinical evidence · Moderate
RIFM safety assessments completed; sensitisation potential characterised. No RCTs for skin benefit — role is fragrance.
Effective concentration range
q.s.
Formulation notes
Oil-soluble; dissolves in perfumery alcohols. EU fragrance allergen disclosure required above threshold. Under review for potential concentration restrictions in EU Cosmetics Regulation update.
Watchouts
Skin sensitisation potential documented in RIFM studies. Photocontact allergy risk at high concentrations. Pending restriction discussions under EU Cosmetics Regulation update.
Stacks with
Controversies & overclaims
On EU's expanded fragrance allergen list subject to potential use restrictions. Brands using complex fragrance compositions rarely disclose individual fragrance allergens to consumers.
Market positioning
Marketed as a floral fragrance note. Accurate. Sensitisation potential and pending EU restriction are not part of consumer-facing communication.
Comedogenicity
0 / 5
Sensitisation risk
Moderate
INCI & aliases
Benzyl Salicylate
benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
Clean beauty perception
Increasingly scrutinised in clean-beauty fragrance disclosure. EU allergen framework covers it but most consumer communication does not distinguish individual allergens.
Related ingredients
Graph relationships
Timeline