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BENZYL ALCOHOL

Last update on Apr 15, 2023
Benzyl Alcohol is a liquid ingredient that is colorless and has a pleasant aroma. It is generally used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Benzyl Alcohol has antimicrobial properties that make it effective at preventing the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in cosmetic formulations. It is often used in concentrations of 0.5% to 2% as a preservative in a variety of products, including shampoos, lotions, creams, and makeup. However, its use is limited to products that have a pH below 5.5, as it is not effective at higher pH levels. The chemical formula of Benzyl Alcohol is C7H8O, and it is commonly derived from natural sources such as flowers and fruits.
CAS Number: 100-51-6Chem/IUPAC Name: EINECS/ELINCS No: 202-859-9COSING REF No: 32153

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What is BENZYL ALCOHOL used for?

Benzyl Alcohol is an important and effective ingredient due to its antimicrobial properties and mild, pleasant scent. It is thus widely used in personal care and cosmetic products.
  • Skin care: It is primarily used as a preservative in products like creams, lotions, and serums. It prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria that can lead to spoilage and contamination of the product
  • Hair care: It also has the ability to stabilize formulations and help hair care products last longer. It also works effectively to decrease the viscosity, thus improving the texture and feel of the products
  • Cosmetic products: It is used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics such as perfumes, colognes, and other scented products. It has a mild, pleasant aroma that is well-suited for use in fragrances. Additionally, it is used as a solvent in certain cosmetic formulations to help dissolve other ingredients and improve product consistency

Origin

Synthetically, Benzyl Alcohol can be made through several methods, including the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride with sodium hydroxide, the reduction of benzaldehyde with sodium borohydride, or the reaction of toluene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst. The resulting product is subjected to purification methods such as distillation to obtain Benzyl Alcohol.

What does BENZYL ALCOHOL do in a formulation?

ANTIMICROBIAL|
PERFUMING|
PRESERVATIVE|
SOLVENT|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Safety Profile

Benzyl Alcohol is safe for use in personal care and cosmetic products when used in the recommended concentrations. It has been approved by regulatory bodies around the world and is used widely in the industry. While it can be drying to the skin in high concentrations, it is typically used at low levels in formulations. Additionally, Benzyl Alcohol is halal and vegan-friendly.

BENZYL ALCOHOL alternatives

BENZYL ALCOHOL technical profile

Property Values
Boiling Point 205°C
Melting Point -15°C
pH 7.0
Solubility Slightly soluble in water
Viscosity Low to medium