Ingredient · Updated

Benzyl acetate

Neutral in 4

Found in 4 products

What is Benzyl acetate?

Benzyl acetate is an organic compound commonly used as a fragrance ingredient in various personal care and household products. It is an ester formed from benzyl alcohol and acetic acid.

It provides a sweet and floral aroma, reminiscent of jasmine, and is used for its pleasant scent in perfumes, soaps, and detergents. The health evidence around benzyl acetate is limited, with no significant concerns highlighted at commonly experienced levels.

When you see benzyl acetate on a label, it is typically present for its fragrance attributes rather than any preservative or functional qualities.

Commonly found in: perfumes, soaps, detergents, air fresheners, scented candles

FDA

Benzyl acetate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in fragrance formulations.

Research

There is limited peer-reviewed research on benzyl acetate, with no strong evidence of harmful effects at typical use levels.

Vegan

Benzyl acetate is not derived from animals and is considered vegan-friendly.

Sources: Fragrance Databases and Safety

Scout's take

Benzyl acetate is a synthetic compound used for its pleasant floral aroma. It is commonly found in perfumes and flavorings. While generally recognized as safe, it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

The case against

May cause skin and respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.

from the analysis of Glade PlugIns Air Freshener Wall Plug Refill · echoed in 2 other analyses

The case for

Contributes to the fragrance profile of the product.

from the analysis of Aera Mini Diffuser

It adds a floral note to the fragrance profile.

from the analysis of Drift Car Scent Wood Refill Open Air

Provides a pleasant floral scent to products.

from the analysis of Glade PlugIns Air Freshener Wall Plug Refill

More from Scout's analyses

Benzyl acetate is an organic compound used as a solvent and in fragrances. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and cleaning products. Its primary role is to impart a pleasant scent.

from the analysis of Aera Mini Diffuser

Benzyl acetate is a fragrance ingredient used for its sweet, floral scent. It is commonly found in perfumes and scented products.

from the analysis of Drift Car Scent Wood Refill Open Air

Floral aromachemical. Not on the EU 26 list but hydrolyzes to benzyl alcohol; generally considered safe at use levels.

from the analysis of Henry Rose Flora Carnivora Eau de Parfum

All 4 products with Benzyl acetate

Where Benzyl acetate shows up

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