Is Benzyl Salicylate the same as salicylic acid?

Benzyl salicylate is a derivative of salicylic acid, but it is different from salicylic acid.

It has the following three functions in cosmetics and skin care products:

1. As a fragrance

Benzyl Salicylate is mainly used as a fixative in cosmetics (it can enhance the fragrance and durability of other fragrances). It exists naturally in plant essential oils such as jasmine, orange blossom, and neroli oil, and can also be synthesized artificially.

There are four main methods of artificial synthesis:

• Catalyze the esterification reaction between salicylic acid and benzyl alcohol,

• Methyl salicylate and benzyl alcohol undergo esterification exchange reaction,

• Obtained by phase transfer catalytic reaction between salicylic acid and benzyl chloride,

• Obtained by nucleophilic substitution reaction between sodium salicylate and benzyl chloride under anhydrous conditions under the catalysis of ethylenediamine.

2. Can be used as a chemical sunscreen

As a cosmetic sunscreen additive in cosmetics, Benzyl Salicylate can selectively absorb ultraviolet rays (UV 280-330nm) in sunlight and has a sunscreen effect on the skin. When used in combination with other sunscreens, it can enhance the sunscreen effect of other ultraviolet absorbers.

3. Can be used as a bactericidal preservative

Benzyl Salicylate does not exfoliate, but it is somewhat irritating to the skin and has the risk of allergies. Pregnant women with sensitive skin should use it with caution.

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