Safety Assessment of Alkyl Benzoates as Used in Cosmetics

Abstract

The functions of alkyl benzoates in cosmetics include fragrance ingredients, skin-conditioning agents--emollient, skin-conditioning agents--miscellaneous, preservatives, solvents, and plasticizers. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed the relevant animal and human data and noted gaps in the available safety data for some of the alkyl benzoates. Similar structure activity relationships, biologic functions, and cosmetic product usage allowed the available data of many of the alkyl benzoates to be extended to the entire group. Carcinogenicity data were not available, but available data indicated that these alkyl benzoate cosmetic ingredients are not genotoxic. Also benzoic acid and tested component alcohols were not reproductive or developmental toxicants, are not genotoxic in almost all assays, and are not carcinogenic. These ingredients were determined to be safe in the present practices of use and concentration.

The Scent Chemistry of Heliconius Wing Androconia

“…In contrast, Mérot et al (2015) reported unspecified benzoate esters in wing androconia. The occurrence as four homologs with retention indices consistent with a C 12 -to C 15 -chain suggests these compounds to be contaminants, because they are known skin cosmetic constituents (Becker et al 2012). Unspecified methyl esters were reported as well, likely formed from common fatty acids.…”

Skin Irritation Testing beyond Tissue Viability: Fucoxanthin Effects on Inflammation, Homeostasis, and Metabolism

“…Thus, we applied the fucoxanthin solution topically to RHS and selected 0.5% as concentration, being in the range used for antioxidants in cosmetic formulations (0.01-1%). We dissolved the highly lipophilic fucoxanthin in alkyl benzoate, being devoid of genotoxic properties and frequently used in cosmetics as a solvent, emollient, preservative, and plasticizer [32]. Moreover, alkyl benzoate is already used to solubilize UV filters in sunscreens [18].…”

Effects of Structure on the Solubility of UV Filters

“…There was an initial intent of using all emollients with the Ethylhexyl scaffold to limit the structural differences between the molecules, but Ethylhexyl Benzoate has been labelled as a teratogen [15]; consequently, a non-toxic substitute was desired. C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate was taken as the alternative, since it was available to us, and it doesn't have any apparent toxicity [16].…”