Benzyl Alcohol
Also known as Benzyl alcohol, Phenylmethanol, Phenylcarbinol, Alpha-hydroxytoluene, Benzenemethanol
“EU CosIng says: restricted.”
Benzyl alcohol is a well-characterized aromatic alcohol used as a preservative, solvent, and fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. The 2017 CIR Expert Panel amended safety assessment (IJT 36(Suppl. 3):5S-30S) concluded that benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid and its salts, and benzyl benzoate 'are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment,' superseding the 2001 original CIR report. Under EU Regulation 1223/2009, benzyl alcohol is permitted as a preservative at up to 1.0% (Annex V, Entry 34) and is simultaneously listed as a regulated fragrance allergen (Annex III, Entry 45) requiring label declaration when present above 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products. RIFM (2015) assessed it as safe for use as a fragrance ingredient. The dual Annex V/III status is unusual and reflects distinct regulatory pathways: preservative use is concentration-capped; fragrance use triggers disclosure obligations rather than a hard cap.
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative effective against bacteria, yeasts, and molds
Natural occurrence in many essential oils (jasmine, hyacinth) makes it compatible with naturally-derived and fragrance formulations
Functions simultaneously as a solvent, fragrance ingredient, and preservative, allowing formulators to use a single ingredient across multiple roles
2017 CIR Expert Panel confirmed safety under current industry practices and concentrations (unqualified 'S' finding)
- · Regulated EU fragrance allergen (Annex III Entry 45): must be declared on label above 0.001% (leave-on) or 0.01% (rinse-off) due to sensitization potential in susceptible individuals
- · Mild primary irritant at high concentrations; animal inhalation studies flagged respiratory irritation at high vapor concentrations — relevant for spray-inhalation product categories
Contraindicated for use in medicinal products for neonates and young infants due to risk of metabolic acidosis (noted in EU pharmaceutical guidance; not directly applicable to cosmetics but informs caution in baby-product formulations)
- · 1% Annex V Entry 34: max 1.0% as preservative
- · Annex III Entry 45: fragrance-allergen disclosure required (>0.001% leave-on / >0.01% rinse-off)
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — Benzyl Alcohol row: Finding=S (Safe), Citation=IJT 36(Suppl. 3):5-30, 2017; IJT 20…
“Benzyl Alcohol | S | | IJT 36(Suppl. 3):5-30, 2017; IJT 20(S3):23-50, 2001 (original report)”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, Benzyl Alcohol row (B section)
EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex V (Preservatives) — Entry 34: Benzyl Alcohol, CAS 100-51-6, max concentration 1,0%, no product-type restric…
“Entry 34, Benzyl Alcohol, CAS 100-51-6, EC 202-859-9, max concentration 1,0 %”— EU Reg 1223/2009 Annex V, Entry 34
EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III (Restricted Substances) — Entry 45: Benzyl Alcohol, CAS 100-51-6; fragrance allergen labeling required …
“Entry 45, Benzyl Alcohol, CAS 100-51-6, EC 202-859-9; must be indicated in ingredient list per Art 19(1)(g) when concentration exceeds 0,001% in leave-on products or 0,01% in rinse-off products”— EU Reg 1223/2009 Annex III, Entry 45