Benzyl Salicylate
Also known as: BS, benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, C14H12O3, Benzyl salicylate
Overview
Benzyl salicylate is an organic aromatic ester naturally found in various essential oils, such as ylang-ylang and jasmine. It is predominantly utilized as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products due to its pleasant scent. Beyond its aromatic properties, it also functions as a UV light absorber and a fixative in perfumes. While not primarily marketed as a dietary supplement, its presence in topical formulations is common. Research into benzyl salicylate has explored its potential biological activities, including weak estrogenic effects and preliminary anti-inflammatory properties. The current body of research is moderate, consisting mainly of in vitro and animal studies, with a notable absence of human clinical trials specifically assessing its systemic effects or efficacy as a supplement. Regulatory bodies have primarily focused on its safety within cosmetic applications, and while some well-controlled studies exist, comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses on its clinical efficacy or use as a supplement are currently lacking.
Benefits
Benzyl salicylate exhibits weak partial estrogen receptor agonist activity in in vitro assays. Its maximal efficacy is approximately 35-47% that of 17β-estradiol, but this effect is observed only at concentrations close to cytotoxic levels, estimated to be over 20 million times lower in potency than estradiol. This indicates that its estrogenic effects are negligible and not clinically relevant at typical exposure levels. Some preliminary in vitro and animal studies suggest that benzyl salicylate may possess anti-inflammatory properties, but this evidence is not yet robust and requires further validation through human clinical trials. No other significant health benefits have been clinically established for benzyl salicylate, and there are no specific population groups for whom benefits have been identified. The clinical significance of its observed estrogenic or anti-inflammatory effects is currently considered minimal to none.
How it works
Benzyl salicylate functions as a partial agonist at estrogen receptors, as demonstrated by its ability to activate estrogen response elements and stimulate proliferation in estrogen-sensitive MCF7 breast cancer cells. However, these effects occur only at very high concentrations, indicating a low potency compared to natural estrogens. While it may modulate inflammatory pathways, the precise molecular targets and mechanisms underlying its potential anti-inflammatory activity are not yet well-defined. Due to its primary use in topical applications, dermal absorption is a relevant route of entry into the body, but comprehensive data on its systemic absorption and bioavailability in humans are limited.
Side effects
Benzyl salicylate is generally considered safe when used at typical cosmetic exposure levels. However, it is a known fragrance allergen and can cause skin sensitization or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, though these occurrences are rare. Mild irritation may also be an uncommon side effect. Serious adverse effects have not been documented at normal use levels. There are no well-documented drug interactions associated with benzyl salicylate. Contraindications include a known allergy or hypersensitivity to benzyl salicylate or chemically related compounds. Due to its weak in vitro estrogenic activity, caution is advised for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, although the clinical relevance of this activity at typical exposure levels is considered doubtful. Limited data exist for special populations, warranting a cautious approach.
Dosage
There are no established dosing guidelines for benzyl salicylate as a dietary supplement, as it is not typically used for this purpose. Its primary route of exposure is dermal application in cosmetic products. For cosmetic use, exposure limits have been proposed based on toxicological data; for instance, a maximal acceptable daily exposure of approximately 0.0294 ppm has been suggested. Systemic dosing is not a typical application for this compound. Given its primary role as a fragrance ingredient and UV filter in topical products, considerations for oral intake or systemic supplementation are not applicable, and no upper limits or safety thresholds for internal consumption have been defined.
FAQs
Is benzyl salicylate an endocrine disruptor?
It exhibits very weak estrogenic activity in vitro, but only at concentrations far exceeding typical human exposure. Regulatory bodies continue to assess its risk, but current evidence suggests low concern at normal use levels.
Can it cause allergies?
Yes, benzyl salicylate is a recognized fragrance allergen and can cause allergic contact dermatitis in individuals who are sensitive to it.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
Specific human data on its safety during pregnancy are limited. Given its weak estrogenic activity, caution is advised, although typical exposure levels from cosmetics are generally low.
Does it have anti-inflammatory benefits?
Preliminary in vitro and animal studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is currently no clinical evidence to support its use for inflammatory conditions in humans.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34408969/ – This in vitro study assessed the estrogenic potency of benzyl salicylate using MCF7 cells. It found that benzyl salicylate acts as a partial estrogen receptor agonist with 35-47% efficacy of estradiol, but only at concentrations millions of times higher than estradiol, indicating negligible biological relevance at typical exposure levels.
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/bensal042019FR.pdf – This Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) report provides a toxicological safety assessment of benzyl salicylate, including animal uterotrophic assays. It identified dose-dependent increases in uterine weights in rodents at high doses, confirming estrogenic effects at toxicologically relevant levels, and established safe exposure limits for cosmetic use.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8064495/ – This experimental study suggests that benzyl salicylate may possess anti-inflammatory activity. The mechanism is not fully elucidated, and the findings are preliminary, with no human clinical trials available to confirm these effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8363597/ – This article further supports the finding that benzyl salicylate exhibits weak estrogenic activity in vitro. It reinforces the conclusion that while it can activate estrogen receptors, the concentrations required are far beyond typical exposure, making its clinical relevance as an endocrine disruptor low.
