Benzyl Salicylate
Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Benzyl Salicylate, a key ingredient in fragrances, uniquely blends balsamic, floral notes with a tropical sunscreen aroma. Ideal as a floral background enhancer, it exudes a round, coconut-like scent, perfect for creating mono-frangipane and trifle floral compositions.
Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Benzyl Salicylate, a key ingredient in fragrances, uniquely blends balsamic, floral notes with a tropical sunscreen aroma. Ideal as a floral background enhancer, it exudes a round, coconut-like scent, perfect for creating mono-frangipane and trifle floral compositions.
Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Benzyl Salicylate, a key ingredient in fragrances, uniquely blends balsamic, floral notes with a tropical sunscreen aroma. Ideal as a floral background enhancer, it exudes a round, coconut-like scent, perfect for creating mono-frangipane and trifle floral compositions.
Synthetic Ingredient Overview
π Chemical name β Benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
π§ͺ Synonyms β Benzyl Salicylate
𧬠Chemical Formula** β CββHββOβ
π CAS NΒ° β 118-58-1
π FEMA β Not listed
βοΈ MW β 228.24 g/mol
π₯ Boiling Point β ~320Β°C
π§ͺ Chemical Class β Salicylate ester
π Odor type β Balsamic Floral
π Odor Strength β Low impact, high tenacity
ππΌ Odor Profile β Floral trifle, monoΓ―, frangipani, coconut sunscreen
βοΈ Uses β Background floral blender; tropical floral bases; long-lasting fixative for cosmetic and fine fragrance use
𧴠Appearance β Almost colorless to pale yellow oily liquid
What is Benzyl Salicylate?
Benzyl Salicylate is a synthetic salicylate ester primarily used in fragrance formulations and personal care products. It occurs naturally in certain plants but is industrially produced to ensure consistency and cost-effectiveness. Structurally, it is the benzyl ester of salicylic acid, and it appears as a nearly odorless liquid to some, while others perceive a soft, sweet-floral and balsamic scent.
Though sometimes described as faint, perfumers note its ability to impart:
A rounded floral effect
A sunscreen-like warmth
A trifle or monoΓ― note useful in tropical florals
Its presence is crucial in floral background construction, especially in white flower accords (jasmine, frangipani, ylang-ylang), and it is also used as a UV absorber and product stabilizer in formulations.
Olfactory Profile and Perfumery Applications
Benzyl Salicylate exhibits:
Floral softness, suited for background building
Warm, coconut-tropical impressions, often linked to sunscreen
Mild muskiness, with a persistent balsamic undertone
Typical uses:
Tropical florals (monoΓ―, frangipani)
Sunscreen-type accords
White flower blends
Functional fragrance systems (e.g., soaps, haircare, lotions)
While its impact is low, its fixative performance is strong, making it ideal for binding short-lived top notes to longer-lasting heart materials.
Regulatory and Safety Overview
IFRA β Benzyl Salicylate is regulated under current IFRA standards due to its potential as a skin sensitizer
EU Cosmetic Regulation (Annex III) β Listed among the 26 regulated fragrance allergens
FEMA Status β Not registered for food or flavor use
ECHA Classification β Under investigation for potential endocrine-disrupting properties; classified as Suspected Endocrine Disruptor (2020 evaluation pending updates)
Natural Origin β Occurs naturally in various essential oils but is primarily used in synthetic form
Sustainability β Synthetic versions are widely produced and compatible with COSMOS and other organic certification schemes (under controlled concentration)
Perfumersβ Note
According to perfumer Fulvio Ciccolo, perception of Benzyl Salicylateβs scent requires a trained nose. While often dismissed as odorless, it exhibits a distinct olfactory identity, notably in its role as a structural floral enhancer. Debate exists over whether the scent arises from trace impurities or molecular interaction, but its effect in finished formulas is well-documented and olfactively meaningful.
Sources
PubChem Compound Summary for CID 8363 β Benzyl Salicylate
ECHA Substance Information β Benzyl Salicylate, CAS 118-58-1
IFRA Standards Documentation β 51st Amendment (Allergens)
EU Cosmetic Regulation β Annex III allergen list
INCI Beauty Ingredient Profile β Benzyl Salicylate
Arctander, Steffen β Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin
Personal communication and interpretation by Fulvio Ciccolo (Scentspiracy team)