Benzyl benzoate

Ester derivative of benzoic acid belonging to the antiparasitosa. Benzyl benzoate is a respiratory poison for parasites and is particularly effective against scabies. It is also effective against lice and can be used as a repellent .

Skabies, for training in repellents. Also possible with demodex folliculitis. Also used as a fragrance.

• For skabies 10% (children up to 3 years) and 25% (children > 3 years, adults) in emulsions such as benzyl benzoate emulsion 10% or 25% (NRF 11.64.) for external use: On 3 consecutive days in the morning and evening, rub in the whole integument except the head and on the 4th day take a full bath and change bedding and clothing.
• 5% as a foam for the treatment of mattresses, upholstered furniture and textiles, allow to dry and vacuum after 1 week.
• 5% as a moist powder for the treatment of carpets, vacuum it off after 1-3 hours.

Pregnancy, lactation (application in the breast area), children < 3 years (risk of gasping syndrome: acidosis, CNS damage, respiratory depression, intracranial haemorrhages, hyperbilirubinaemia, leukopenia, thrombopenia, liver damage, purpura, death).

Remember! The use of benzyl benzoate is forbidden for newborns in the USA (deaths due to use of infusion systems purified with benzyl alcohol (so-called gasping syndrome = progressive encephalopathy, metabolic acidosis, bone marrow depression)!

1. Panahi Y et al (2015) The efficacy of topical and oral ivermectin in the treatment of human scabies. Ann Parasitol 61:11-16
2. Werbrouck J et al (2015) C12-15 alkyl benzoate: a new cosmetic allergen? Contact dermatitis. doi: 10.1111/cod.12419