FlavScents AInsights Entry: 2-Ethyl Hexyl Salicylate (CAS: 118-60-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Ethyl Hexyl Salicylate
• IUPAC Name: 2-Ethylhexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
• CAS Number: 118-60-5
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL Number: Not available; CoE Number: Not available; IFRA Reference: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C15H22O3
• Molecular Weight: 250.34 g/mol

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is an ester of salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It is characterized by its functional groups, including an ester linkage, which contributes to its stability and odor profile. The ester group is crucial for its role in fragrance formulations, providing a sweet, floral scent with a hint of balsamic undertones.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is known for its mild, sweet, and floral odor, often described as balsamic with a hint of herbal notes. It is not typically used for its flavor properties but rather for its olfactory characteristics in fragrance applications. The compound has a moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in complex fragrance compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for industrial use. It is produced through the esterification of salicylic acid with 2-ethylhexanol. This synthetic pathway allows for the controlled production of the compound, ensuring consistency in its application in fragrances. Its synthetic origin means it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is not typically used in flavor applications due to its primary role as a fragrance ingredient. However, if used, it would likely serve as a background note to enhance the complexity of a flavor profile. Specific ppm ranges for flavor use are not documented, and formulators should verify its suitability and regulatory compliance for any intended flavor application.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is widely used in the fragrance industry, particularly in floral and balsamic fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing a sweet, floral aroma that enhances the overall scent profile. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary, but it is often used at low to moderate levels due to its moderate volatility and contribution as a middle note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not listed as FEMA GRAS for flavor use; primarily regulated as a cosmetic ingredient.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use; used in cosmetics under specific conditions.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence noted.
• Asia: Regulatory status varies; formulators should consult local regulations in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries should be consulted for compliance.

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is primarily regulated as a cosmetic ingredient, with specific guidelines for its use in personal care products.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Not typically relevant due to its primary use in fragrances.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. IFRA provides guidelines for its safe use in fragrance formulations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation.

The risk profile for 2-ethyl hexyl salicylate differs between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls in place for dermal exposure in cosmetics.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral aroma to fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other floral and balsamic notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the scent. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its sweet profile can dominate if not balanced with other components. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle, background floral note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-ethyl hexyl salicylate is well-established in the context of fragrance use, with comprehensive safety and regulatory information available. However, its use in flavors is less documented, and formulators should proceed with caution and verify regulatory compliance. Known data gaps include specific ppm ranges for flavor applications and detailed sensory thresholds.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1-9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges (not applicable, noted)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-03-30 05:57:33 GMT (p2)