Chemical Properties
CLEAR SLIGHTLY PINKISH LIQUID
Uses
Benzyl Salicylate is an chemical compound commonly used in the cosmetic industry. Benzyl Salicylate is also found in essential oils from green tea and was shown to exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobia
l activity.
Uses
As fixer in perfumery; in sunscreen preparations.
General Description
Colorless liquid. Melting point near room temperature (18-20°C).
Reactivity Profile
BENZYL SALICYLATE(118-58-1) may hydrolyze in aqueous acid or basic solutions. BENZYL SALICYLATE(118-58-1) can react with oxidizing materials.
Air & Water Reactions
Slightly water soluble .
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for this chemical are not available, but BENZYL SALICYLATE is probably combustible.
Description
Benzyl salicylate is a salicylic acid benzyl ester, a chemical compound most frequently used in cosmetics. It appears as an almost colorless liquid with a mild odor described as "very faint, sweetfloral, slightly balsamic" by those who can smell it, but many people either can't smell it at all or describe its smell as "musky". Trace impurities can have a significant influence on the odour.[1] It occurs naturally in a variety of plants and plant extracts and is widely used in blends of fragrance materials.
There is some evidence that people can become sensitized to this material and as a result there is a restriction standard concerning the use of this material in fragrances by the International Fragrance Association.
It is used as a solvent for crystalline synthetic musks and as a component and fixative in floral perfumes such as carnation, jasmine, lilac, and wallflower.
Occurrence
It has been reported in small amounts in carnation oil (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) and in larger amounts in the
oil of Primula auricula. Also found in American cranberry, clove bud, peppermint oil and buckwheat.
Definition
ChEBI: Benzyl salicylate is a benzoate ester and a member of phenols. It is functionally related to a salicylic acid.
Preparation
By esterification of salicylic acid with benzyl alcohol.
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by ingestion. Seealso BENZYL ALCOHOL, SALICYLIC ACID, andESTERS. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame.When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke andirritating fumes. Incompatible with oxidizing materials.
Safety
Benzyl salicylate poses dangers to sensitive skin. Even in very small amounts, it may cause allergic reactions when applied to the skin. Benzyl salicylate can cause contact dermatitis (skin irritation) to people with sensitive skin types. It is also on the European Commission's list of 26 known allergens. Some of the other ingredients on the fragrance allergen list include linalool, coumarin, geraniol, and limonene.
