Benzyl salicylate
Benzyl salicylate is a sweet, floral-scented ingredient commonly used in UK perfumes, body lotions and shower gels. It acts as a fragrance component and mild fixative, helping scents last longer on the skin. You’ll often find it listed towards the end of the ingredients because it is used in relatively small amounts.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, benzyl salicylate functions primarily as a fragrance material that adds a soft, balsamic-floral note while also helping to stabilise and prolong other scent ingredients. It is frequently included in leave-on and rinse-off products such as body creams, hand lotions, shampoos and bath foams to deliver a pleasant aroma that lingers without overpowering the formulation.
Key benefits
- Adds a delicate floral scent to products
- Helps fragrances last longer on skin and hair
- Acts as a gentle fixative in perfume blends
- Contributes to the overall sensory experience of creams and lotions
- Provides a light masking effect for base notes in formulations
- Commonly used to create spa-like, relaxing aromas
Best for
all skin types, normal skin, combination skin
Where it comes from
Benzyl salicylate occurs naturally in several essential oils including ylang-ylang, carnation, and jasmine. It can be isolated from these plant flowers or produced synthetically for consistent quality in cosmetic formulations.