An ester of benzoic acid used as a fragrance and preservative, regulated in Annex V.
What it is
Ethyl benzoate is the ester of ethyl alcohol and benzoic acid, a colourless liquid with a fruity odour. CosIng lists it as a fragrance and preservative ingredient. In the EU it is covered by the Annex V entry (allowed preservatives) for salts and esters of benzoic acid.
Where it is used
Found in perfumes, scented products and products that need preservation.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits; according to the Annex V entry, the limit is expressed as benzoic acid. The label does not show whether it is used as a preservative or for its scent.
Functions
- Fragrance
- Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
- Preservative
- Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
EU regulation
- Maximum concentration
- 0.5% (acid)
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223
Products with this ingredient (8)
- OSiS Thrill 100ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- OSiS Rock Hard 150ml · Schwarzkopf Professional
- Night Cream Beauty Hyaluron · Balea
- After Sun Shower Gel · Balea
- Hyaluron Beauty Face Cream SPF 15 · Balea
- Neutrogena Sıkılaştırıcı Vücut Losyonu · Neutrogena
- Nivea Sun Protect & Dry Touch SPF50, UVA 4 Stars · Nivea
- Sun protect & bronze, spray, SPF20 · Nivea