Ingredient decoder

Benzyl benzoate: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Benzyl Benzoate

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Scent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some people.

  • Antimicrobial
  • Perfuming
  • Solvent

Benzyl benzoate in plain English

Benzyl benzoate is a faintly sweet, balsamic compound found in balsams and jasmine, used in fragrances as a scent and to help other scents dissolve and last longer. It is one of the scent components that must be named on EU labels above set levels because it can trigger allergic reactions in some people. For acne-prone skin it does not clog pores, but irritation and redness can make breakouts look and feel worse, so sensitive skin may do better without it.

Is benzyl benzoate bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Benzyl benzoate is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Benzyl Benzoate
  • Benzyl benzenecarboxylate
  • Benzoic acid benzyl ester

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Frequently asked questions

Is benzyl benzoate comedogenic?

Benzyl benzoate has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does benzyl benzoate do in skincare?

In short: scent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some people. In formulas it is used for antimicrobial, perfuming and solvent.

What else is benzyl benzoate called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, benzyl benzoate can also appear as Benzyl benzenecarboxylate or Benzoic acid benzyl ester.

Sources