INCI name

METHYL BENZOATE

Methyl benzoate

Skin conditioning – emollient Fragrance Preservative Solventreviewed

An ester of benzoic acid with a characteristic scent.

What it is

Methyl benzoate is the ester of methyl alcohol and benzoic acid. CosIng lists it as emollient, fragrance, preservative and solvent. In the EU it falls under Annex V (allowed preservatives) through the entry covering benzoic acid and its salts and esters.

Where it is used

Found in fragranced products, creams, cleansers and other cosmetics.

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, which are expressed as the acid. The label does not show the concentration actually used.

Functions

Skin conditioning – emollient: Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.
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.
Solvent: Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).

EU regulation

EU · Annex V, entry 1aSalts of benzoic acid other than that listed under reference number 1 and esters of benzoic acid

Maximum concentration: 0.5% (acid)
As of: 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223

Products with this ingredient (53)

Check a full ingredient list