Cosmetic Grade Benzyl Benzoate CAS 120-51-4 Colorless Solvent for Personal Care Formulations

Benzyl benzoate (CAS 120-51-4) is the ester that formulators reach for when a sunscreen active or a fragrance concentrate refuses to dissolve in the oil phase. It is a colourless, oily liquid with a faint balsamic note, a refractive index close to that of sebum, and a spreading behaviour that leaves skin soft rather than greasy. As an INCI listed emollient and solvent it carries no restriction in the main cosmetic markets and has been reviewed by the cosmetic ingredient review panel, which is why it appears on so many approved formulations.

This cosmetic grade is distilled and carbon treated to reach an APHA colour of 15 or lower and a peroxide value low enough to protect oxidation sensitive actives such as avobenzone and vitamin E. Each lot is analysed by gas chromatography, Karl Fischer titration and spectrophotometry, and the batch number links back to a retained sample so a brand owner can answer a stability or allergen question months after the goods have been consumed.

• Assay 99.5% minimum by GC: predictable solvency for crystalline UV filters and fragrance concentrates, with no crystallisation in storage
• APHA colour 15 or lower: keeps clear gels, serums and oils visually neutral, so no colour correction is needed in the finished formula
• Low peroxide value, 5 meq/kg maximum: protects oxidation sensitive actives and prevents the rancid note that appears with poorly stored ester solvent
• Excellent UV filter solubility: dissolves avobenzone and oxybenzone at high loading without crystallisation at low temperature
• Non greasy emollient after feel: spreads evenly, absorbs slowly and leaves a silky rather than oily film on skin
• Full documentation package: COA, SDS, allergen and REACH statements issued with every lot for brand owner and retailer audits

Typical uses are the oil phase of sun care sprays and lotions as solvent for crystalline UV filters, fragrance fixative and solubiliser in fine fragrance and body mists, plasticiser for nail enamel to improve flexibility and gloss, and emollient in bath oils, body butters and hair masks where a non greasy slip is required.

Recommended use levels run from 1 to 5 percent in emulsions, 5 to 15 percent in sun care systems depending on filter loading, and up to 20 percent in nail enamel. Because it is a solvent rather than a thickener, it is normally added to the oil phase before emulsification at 60 to 70 degrees C, and no special equipment is needed.

Standard export packing is 25 kg in a plastic drum, 225 kg in an iron drum with epoxy phenolic lining, or 1000 kg in an IBC tank. All containers are nitrogen blanketed where requested and labelled with lot number, net weight, CAS number, production date and GHS pictograms. Sample quantities of 1 kg and 5 kg are available in amber glass or HDPE bottles.

The material is classified as not dangerous goods for most transport modes, but the flash point of 145 degrees C means it should be kept away from open flame and stored below 30 degrees C in a ventilated area. We ship from Shanghai or Qingdao within 7 to 15 working days, and can consolidate drums with other items to reduce freight per kilogram.

Every batch is released against the specification above with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, colour, water, acidity, peroxide value, refractive index and specific gravity, measured on calibrated GC, Karl Fischer and refractometer instruments. A retention sample of 500 g is stored for 24 months so that any later question can be answered against the original material.

We supply a GHS format safety data sheet, a REACH statement confirming the substance is registered and free of SVHC above 0.1 percent, and an allergen declaration for fragrance applications. The plant operates under ISO 9001 and third party inspection by SGS or Bureau Veritas can be arranged at the buyer's cost before shipment.