Benzoic acid and related ingredients are safe to use in cosmetics at current concentration levels. The panel previously had concerns about inhaling these ingredients, but new data convinced them the risk is minimal with how products are actually used today.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reviewed existing safety data on benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, and benzyl benzoate—all common preservatives and fragrance ingredients. They reassessed old concentration limits against newly available research.

Funding not disclosed in abstract