Benzyl Alcohol
Also known as BenzylAlcohol
INCI: BENZYL ALCOHOL
CAS 100-51-6 EC 202-859-9
chemical compound
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details
Description
chemical compound
Purpose
Function
fragrance; preservative; solvent
Profile
Properties
Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance
Regulatory Status
EU
Restricted
Safety
MODERATE
US
Permitted
EU Max Concentration1% as preservative in cosmetics (Annex V); labelling required >10 ppm leave-on / >100 ppm rinse-off as fragrance
Absorptionmoderate
Sensitizationhigh
MoSnot established
NOAEL400 mg/kg
ConcernModerate
Flags
preservativemicrobiome-disruptivecommensal-inhibitorin-vitro-concerneu_children_restrictedepa_safer_alternativeifra_fragrancefda_food_additiveeu_cosing_listed
Verdict
Preservative with recognized in vitro evidence of broad inhibition of skin commensal flora at maximum allowed concentrations, alongside phenoxyethanol and parabens. Beneficial skin bacteria appear more sensitive to it than pathogens. Microbiome-neutral formulation strategies including hurdle technology, low-pH systems, and reduced concentrations are preferred for microbiome-positioned products.
US Note
Permitted as both fragrance and preservative; GRAS status; RIFM-assessed
Assessment
Ratings
Reference