Benzyl benzoate

Benzyl benzoate is an aromatic chemical, usually appearing as a clear liquid with a mild sweet-balsamic fragrance. Benzyl benzoate is a synthetic chemical produced for industry from benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid, but is also naturally present in the essential oils of many plants, including cinnamon, balsam of peru and ylang ylang.

Benzyl benzoate often appears in fragrances, either as a synthetic additive used as a fixative to help preserve the longevity of a fragrance, or as a natural component of the essential oils used in the fragrance. This ingredient is also used in medicine for the topical treatment of some skin conditions.

According IFRA (International Fragrance Association) restrictions, you can use up to 26.7% for fragrance formulations. However, we recommend usage up to 10% to avoid altering your fragrance end-product formulation.

Usage level for a fragrance fixative is 5 - 10% on the weight of the fragrance.

Studies indicate a small percentage of people can be sensitive to this ingredient as defined by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). The IFRA is a self-regulatory representative body of the fragrance industry, dedicated to promoting the safe use of fragrances.

Other names: C₁₄H₁₂O₂, Benylate, Phenylmethyl Benzoate, Benzoic Acid Phenylmethyl Ester, Benzy Alcohol Benzoic Ester

Chemical class: Esters