Benzyl salicylate

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.

Chemical properties

Benzyl Salicylate occurs in several essential oils, is a colorless, viscous liquid with a weak, sweet, slightly balsamic odor and a sweet, currant-like taste. It is soluble in ethanol, most non-volatile and volatile oils, slightly soluble in propylene glycol, insoluble in glycerin and practically insoluble in water.

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.

The Uses of Benzyl salicylate

benzyl salicylate is a fragrance found naturally occurring in carnations and in certain members of the primrose family. Although it can be derived for cosmetic use from natural essential oils, such as jasmine oil, neroli, and ylang-ylang, it can also be synthetically manufactured.

The Uses of Benzyl salicylate

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.

Preparation

By esterification of salicylic acid with benzyl alcohol.

Definition

ChEBI: Benzyl salicylate is a benzoate ester and a member of phenols. It is functionally related to a salicylic acid.

General Description

Colorless liquid. Melting point near room temperature (18-20°C). As fixer in perfumery; in sunscreen preparations.

Air & Water Reactions

Slightly water soluble .

Reactivity Profile

Benzyl salicylate may hydrolyze in aqueous acid or basic solutions. Benzyl salicylate can react with oxidizing materials.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for Benzyl salicylate are not available, but Benzyl salicylate is probably combustible.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Contact allergens

Benzyl salicylate is used as fixer in perfumery and sunscreen preparations. As a (weak) perfume sensitizer, it has to be listed by name in cosmetic preparations in the EU.

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.