Compound Monograph

Benzyl acetate

Benzyl acetate is an aromatic ester with a sweet floral, jasmine-like odour, common in flower essential oils.

Classification

Benzyl acetate is an ester (aromatic), part of the phenolics class. Antioxidant compounds built around one or more phenol rings — the flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins, and pigments behind much of a plant's protective chemistry.

Where Does It Come From? (3)

Benzyl acetate is a naturally occurring ester (aromatic), found in Jasmine, Ylang-ylang and 1 other source. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).

Gardenia Jasmine Jasminum officinale Ylang-ylang

Research & Evidence

Benzyl acetate is an aromatic ester with a sweet, floral, jasmine-like scent and is one of the major fragrance components of jasmine and several other flower essential oils. It is among the most widely used aroma chemicals in perfumery and flavouring, where it contributes a characteristic floral note.

Toxicity & Safety

Benzyl acetate is an established fragrance and flavour ingredient regarded as low in toxicity at the levels used in foods and cosmetics. As with most concentrated essential-oil constituents, the neat material can be irritating and is meant to be used diluted.