Description
Benzyl benzoate is an ester, as its chemical name indicates. Esters are organic compounds that result from the combination of an acid with an alcohol. Its European Pharmacopoeia name is Benzylis benzoas. It has the declared technical functions antimicrobial, solvent and perfuming: in general, the perfuming category covers ingredients that give aroma to a formulation or modify the aroma it already has, solvents dissolve other components of the formula, and the antimicrobial function corresponds to ingredients that help control the growth of microorganisms on the skin.
In Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Benzyl benzoate is included in Annex III, reserved for substances restricted subject to conditions, under reference 85. The conditions of the entry read verbatim: "The presence of the substance must be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1)g when its concentration exceeds: - 0.001% in leave-on products - 0.01% in rinse-off products". The two thresholds in the text, 0.001% for leave-on and 0.01% for rinse-off, mark the concentration above which the substance must appear in the list of ingredients. Its cosmetic restriction reference is III/85.
The usual role of the perfuming function in a formulation is to take part in the fragrance composition or to attenuate the inherent odor of other raw materials, whereby it plays a part in the final aroma of the product. Solvents facilitate the incorporation of other raw materials, and antimicrobial ingredients are used in hygiene and skin care products. The information presented is for technical reference only and does not constitute a recommendation for use or an efficacy claim.