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CarCareTruth

Benzyl Benzoate

  • Esters
  • CAS 120-51-4
  • IUPAC: Benzyl benzoate

Benzyl Benzoate (CAS 120-51-4) appears in 12 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Acute Tox. 4 (H302, harmful if swallowed). Aquatic Chronic 2 (H411). Low dermal and inhalation toxicity. Used as a pharmaceutical-grade compound (FDA-approved scabicide) at much higher concentrations than found in air freshener formulas (1-3%).

Benzyl benzoate is an ester of benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid, widely used in the fragrance industry as a fixative — it reduces the volatility of fragrance compounds, extending the longevity of scented products. In Meguiar's Whole Car Air Re-Fresher, it appears at 1-3% concentration, serving as the bridge between the volatile ethanol carrier and the fragrance oils.

Despite its low human toxicity at typical consumer product concentrations, benzyl benzoate is notably toxic to aquatic organisms (Rainbow trout LC50 1.4 mg/L at 96 hours), earning the H411 classification. In aerosol air freshener applications, the aquatic exposure pathway is minimal since the product is dispersed into cabin air, not rinsed into drains.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Fragrance fixative and solubilizer — extends scent longevity by slowing fragrance evaporation

Common questions about Benzyl Benzoate

What is Benzyl Benzoate used for in car care?
Fragrance fixative and solubilizer — extends scent longevity by slowing fragrance evaporation
Is Benzyl Benzoate a VOC?
No. Benzyl Benzoate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Benzyl Benzoate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Benzyl Benzoate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Benzyl Benzoate biodegradable?
Yes. Benzyl Benzoate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

12 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.