FlavScents AInsights Entry for Glycol Salicylate (CAS: 87-28-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Glycol Salicylate
• IUPAC Name: 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid 2-hydroxyethyl ester
• CAS Number: 87-28-5
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not specified
• Molecular Formula: C9H10O4
• Molecular Weight: 182.17 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Glycol salicylate contains ester and hydroxyl functional groups. The ester linkage contributes to its mild, sweet odor profile, which is relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Glycol salicylate is characterized by a mild, sweet, and slightly balsamic odor. It is often described as having a subtle floral nuance.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as a background realism enhancer in both flavor and fragrance formulations, providing a subtle sweetness and depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Glycol salicylate is not typically found in nature and is primarily synthesized for industrial use.
• Formation Pathways: It is synthesized through the esterification of salicylic acid with ethylene glycol.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: As a synthetic compound, glycol salicylate does not qualify for natural flavor or fragrance designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Glycol salicylate is used in a variety of flavor applications, including confectionery, beverages, and baked goods, where it imparts a mild sweetness.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier and background enhancer, providing subtle sweetness and complexity.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 5 to 50 ppm in finished products, with typical industry use around 20 ppm.
• Stability Considerations: Glycol salicylate is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in floral and oriental fragrance families, glycol salicylate is found in perfumes, lotions, and soaps.
• Functional Role: It serves as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the overall fragrance profile with its sweet, balsamic character.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Used at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Glycol salicylate contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not specifically listed under EU flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly reported; typically follows international guidelines.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): No specific regulatory information available; generally aligns with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values reported; considered safe at typical flavor use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; no specific occupational exposure limits reported.
• Risk Profiles: Similar safety profiles for both food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Glycol salicylate is valued for its ability to enhance sweetness and depth in both flavors and fragrances.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with other esters and floral compounds to create balanced and complex profiles.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overly sweet or cloying profile; careful balancing is required.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle sweetness without overpowering other notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Basic chemical and sensory properties are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and applications are often based on industry experience rather than formal studies.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are limited.

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
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

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 2026-05-25 13:11:00 GMT (p2)