Benzyl Salicylate – Functions and Necessary precaution when using Cosmetic products Benzyl salicylate is also known as benzyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, which is a colorless and clear liquid. It has a floral aroma and is used to add fragrance to a product. Additionally, benzyl salicylate is used as a UV light absorber. The primary function of the UV light absorber is to reflect or absorb UV rays, thereby preventing products from being damaged.
What is Benzyl Salicylate? Benzyl salicylate is a colorless and clear liquid, which has a mild balsamic floral scent. It is used in most products such as shampoos, soaps, and fabric softeners. Furthermore, it occurs naturally with certain types of oils like cananga and ylang-ylang oil. During the manufacturing of perfumes, many chemicals are used including benzyl salicylate. The floral scent of benzyl salicylate is what gives perfumes their unique scent and sometimes, they depend on the skin they are used.
Functions of Benzyl Salicylate Besides being used in perfume products, benzyl salicylate is useful in other products such as
Hair dyes
UV light absorber
Moisturizers
Bubble bath cleanser
Sunscreens
Aroma Chemicals in Candles Today, many aromatic chemicals such as benzyl salicylate are used in the production of scented candles apart from perfumes. These candles can be used as an odor remover in the room with some used for your romantic candlelight dinner among many other things. Making of scented candles have become a hobby for many people and the market for such products is rapidly gaining a lot of demand amongst the customers. Similar to other chemicals, benzyl salicylate has the tendency of causing allergic reactions, which is why it is important to test the product before deciding to buy. Products like colognes or
perfumes can cause allergic reactions but this is dependent on the individual skin type. Ensure to read the ingredients used in such product to be on the safer side in case of an allergy. Precautions If you are using perfumes with benzyl salicylate as one of its ingredients, ensure to keep out of the reach of children. We all know that toddlers like to experiment on things they see us do, they may rub it on a sensitive part of their skin or eye, which may pose a greater danger. Furthermore, the following are an important precaution to put into considering when using products with benzyl salicylate.
In case of skin contact especially people with sensitive skin, ensure to bathe with water and remove the contaminated clothes
If you mistakenly inhale it, you may suffer from sneezing bouts. On no condition should you inhale perfumes with benzyl salicylate. However, if you mistakenly inhale, just breathe in some fresh air.
If your eyes get in content with such colognes or perfumes, immediately rinse with water and seek medical attention as quick as possible.
Finally, if you swallow it, ensure to drink sufficient water before seeking medical help.
Author’s Bio Jose Shaw in this article educates his audience on what benzyl salicylate is all about. He further explored the uses of benzyl salicylate and necessary precautions to take when using it.