Roll Call

“Benzyl Salicylate?”Here!

FragranceSynthetic

Hasn’t appeared in a scanned product yet.

In personal care

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with a mild, sweet floral scent, chemically related to salicylic acid.

Why it’s used

It is used as a fragrance component and also as a UV-light stabilizer that helps protect other fragrance ingredients from breaking down.

What the evidence says

It is included on the EU's list of fragrance substances recognized as potential skin sensitizers, based on case reports and patch-test data reviewed by regulatory scientific committees.

Context

EU labeling rules require it to be named on the ingredient list when present above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.

Rumors

  1. Benzyl salicylate is an endocrine disruptor that interferes with hormones.

    Does not support — establishedhealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • Bensos — a brand: makes and sells biodegradable detergents for home and business
      How we know who this is
      • “Bensos propone i propri prodotti di pulizia ad hotel, ristoranti e strutture turistiche in genere.” (their page)

  2. Benzyl salicylate reduces skin inflammation and redness.

    Not gradedhealth and safety evidence

    Sources cited — no verdict reached.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • skinChemists — a brand: sells its own anti-ageing skincare products
      How we know who this is
      • “Inspired by this legacy and the work of his pharmacist father, Richard Walker founded skinChemists to bring formulation-first thinking into modern skincare.” (their page)
      • “The skinChemists Snake Serum Range is designed to visibly soften fine lines and smooth uneven skin texture.” (their page)

  3. Benzyl salicylate irritates the skin, especially sensitive skin.

    Does not support — establishedhealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • PamperInc Pte Ltd — a retailer: sole authorised distributor of Dr. Hauschka products in Singapore
      How we know who this is
      • “We recommend to purchase Dr. Hauschka from our sole authorised distributor in SIngapore - PamperInc Pte Ltd to ensure you receive authentic products that have valid expiration dates and have been properly stored and air freight.” (their page)

  4. Benzyl salicylate absorbs UV rays and protects skin from sun damage.

    Not gradedhealth and safety evidence

    Sources cited — no verdict reached.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • Kissed Earth — a brand: sells its own collagen, supplements, vitamins and skincare
      How we know who this is
      • “Kissed Earth was born in August of 2019.” (their page)
      • “Today we have 33 products under the Kissed Earth umbrella spanning across collagen, supplements, vitamins, skincare, kids, and pets - every one a labour of love and an extension of the same strict principles we set out from the beginning.” (their page)

  5. Benzyl salicylate causes allergies and contact dermatitis.

    Supports — establishedhealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • ewg.org — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it