Is Benzyl salicylate safe for babies and kids?
Context-dependent for kidsInfants are more vulnerable to Benzyl salicylate than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What is benzyl salicylate?
The IUPAC name is benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate.
Also known as: benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, Benzyl o-hydroxybenzoate, Salicylic Acid Benzyl Ester, Salicylic acid, benzyl ester.
- IUPAC name
- benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
- CAS number
- 118-58-1
- Molecular formula
- C14H12O3
- Molecular weight
- 228.24 g/mol
- SMILES
- C1=CC=C(C=C1)COC(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2O
- PubChem CID
- 8363
Risk for babies
Context-dependentInfants are more vulnerable to Benzyl salicylate than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Elevated riskEstrogenic activity; proposed REACH restriction partly based on reproductive concerns; ubiquitous exposure makes avoidance difficult
Regulatory consensus
1 regulatory bodyhas classified Benzyl salicylate.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDC Assessment | 2024 | Suspected endocrine disruptor |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter benzyl salicylate
- Personal Care — perfume, lotion, sunscreen, soap, shampoo
- Consumer Products — cleaning products, candles
-
Fragrance
— perfume, cologne, scented personal care products, household fragrance products, candles
Identified in Fragrance Ingredient Safety Priority Research database (2,325 ingredients)
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Benzyl salicylate:
-
Hexyl salicylate (lower sensitization)
Trade-offs: Alternative fragrance ingredient; individual safety profile should be assessed per IFRA standards; sensitization potential varies by compound; patch testing recommended for sensitive individuals.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
-
Unscented formulation
Trade-offs: Eliminates allergen risk entirely; consumer acceptance varies (some associate scent with cleanliness/efficacy); growing market segment; regulatory advantage in EU (no IFRA compliance needed).Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is benzyl salicylate safe for kids?
Infants are more vulnerable to Benzyl salicylate than children or adults due to immature hepatic/renal clearance, higher intake-to-body-weight ratio, rapid organ development, and increased gastrointestinal absorption.
What products contain benzyl salicylate?
Benzyl salicylate appears in: perfume (Personal care); lotion (Personal care); cleaning products (Consumer products); candles (Consumer products); perfume (Fragrance).
What should I do if my child is exposed to benzyl salicylate?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
See Benzyl salicylate in the baby app
Look up products containing benzyl salicylate, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (1)
- PubChem Compound Database (2026) — database
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →