Benzyl acetate is a seemingly harmless ingredient that you might have never thought about, but it might be wreaking all kinds of havoc on your body from the inside out. According to Eco Beauty Editor, it is found in a long list of perfumes you've probably used, as well as men's colognes, air fresheners, hairsprays, deodorants, fabric softeners, and shampoos. It's safe to say this chemical is everywhere. While avoiding this ingredient may seem like an impossible task, it is crucial to try.
Benzyl acetate is a super-sleuth ingredient that seems innocent because of its sweet, jasmine-like scent (via The Discovery Doc). However, it is anything but beneficial, secretly harming you instead. Why? Although it gives off a fruity aroma, making it perfect for perfume and makeup, it is the main solvent component in industrial products like lacquer, polish, ink, nitrate, oil, resin, and plastic. While that's not something we want to spritz on our wrists every day, it is a carcinogen as well, linked to pancreatic cancer. Also, as per Alitura, it can irritate your eyes and lungs, so if you've experienced trouble breathing or have had dry, red eyes as of late, check your perfume's ingredient list for benzyl acetate.
