Benzyl Benzoate
Adds scent.
What it is
A fragrance substance found naturally in jasmine and ylang-ylang oils, and also made in a lab. EU rules require it to be named on the label when present above set levels.
Dissolves other ingredients and adds a faint, sweet scent.
What it does in a formula
Why some people watch for it
Some people prefer unscented products, and people with sensitive skin often look for fragrance because it is one of the ingredient types most often linked to skin reactions.
The EU singles out these substances because some people are allergic to them. People who know they react to one can use this list to check a label.
What official sources say
As a pure substance it is harmful by its classification (acute or organ toxicity) (EU harmonised classification). How much a product contains matters.
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), consolidated text, Annex VI Part 3 Table 3 (harmonised classifications), retrieved 2026-10-09A fragrance allergen: EU labels must name it above 0.001 % in leave-on and 0.01 % in rinse-off products.
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III: list of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down (CosIng), retrieved 2026-10-09As a pure substance it is hazardous to the environment (EU harmonised classification). How much a product contains matters.
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), consolidated text, Annex VI Part 3 Table 3 (harmonised classifications), retrieved 2026-10-09