Benzyl benzoate (CAS No.120-51-4, EC No.204-402-9, INCI: Benzyl Benzoate) is an ingredient listed in the Cosing, with the functions: Antimicrobial, Solvent, Perfuming.
The substance is regulated by Annex III/85 of European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, which requires its labelling in the list of ingredients as soon as its concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
It is already listed in Annex VI/607-085-00-9 of European CLP Regulation 1272/2008, with the following classifications.
• Acute Tox. 4*, H302 - Harmful if swallowed.
• Aquatic Chronic 2, H411 - Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Belgium intends to propose classifying the substance as follows.
• Skin Sens. 1B, H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction.
• Aquatic Chronic 2, H411 - Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Sources
• CLP - New intentions and proposals to harmonise classification and labelling, ECHA Weekly, 21 January 2026
• Registry of CLH intentions until outcome - Benzyl benzoate, ECHA, 15 January 2026