BENZYL SALICYLATE
What is it?
“Benzyl salicylate is a salicylic acid benzyl ester with the chemical formula C14H12O3.” – Wikipedia
What are the effects?
This substance belongs to the groups:
The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC) writes that the substance is causing allergies.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classifies benzyl salicylate as a substance that “causes serious eye irritation, is harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects and may cause an allergic skin reaction.”
The fragrance chemical benzyl salicylate is classified as a frequent and well recognized allergen in CosIng, the European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients.
Benzyl salicylate is restricted for use in cosmetic products in the EU; ‘The presence of the substance must be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1)g when its concentration exceeds: – 0.001% in leave-on products – 0.01% in rinse-off products’.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) list benzyl salicylate as a suspected endocrine disruptor.
How is it used?
Benzyl salicylate is used in cosmetic products* as a fragrance ingredient and/or as an ultraviolet (UV) light absorber. The ingredient can be found in a wide variety of products, including sunscreens, tanning lotions, shampoos and conditioners, and shaving creams. It is also used as a food additive.
We use the European Commissions definition of Cosmetics:
“Cosmetics range from everyday hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste to luxury beauty items including perfumes and makeup”.
Did you find this ingredient in a product?
Comment and share with a link!
Leave A Comment