Benzyl salicylate is a salicylic acid benzyl ester, a chemical compound most frequently used in cosmetics as a fragrance additive or UV light absorber.

It appears as an almost colorless liquid with a mild odor described as "very faint, sweet-floral, slightly balsamic" by some, while others smell nothing at all.

There is debate whether the odour is caused solely by impurities or a genetic predisposition.

[2] There is some evidence that people may become sensitized to this material[3] and as a result, there is a restriction standard concerning the use of this material in fragrances by the International Fragrance Association.

[4] It is used as a solvent for crystalline synthetic musks and as a component and fixative in floral perfumes such as carnation, jasmine, lilac, and wallflower.