Preservatives

Benzyl alcohol

INCI: BENZYL ALCOHOL

A preservative that is also a listed fragrance allergen.

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C₇H₈O108.14 g/mol

oxygencarbonhydrogen

3D shape from PubChem 244

All products17%

In conditioners45%

In deodorants30%

In shampoos25%

2,506 of 14,784 products with a full ingredient list in Open Beauty Facts; No. 14 of all the names found on their labels.

An aromatic alcohol: a benzene ring carrying one hydroxymethyl group. A clear, colourless liquid with a pleasant smell.
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Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol that consists of benzene bearing a single hydroxymethyl substituent.[1] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source
Benzyl alcohol appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor.[1] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source

As a preservative or a fragrance ingredient; it is also a solvent.
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Benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid and its salts, and benzyl benzoate function mostly as fragrance ingredients/preservatives in cosmetic products.[2] US Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel · 2017 · open source
It has a role as an antioxidant, a metabolite, a solvent and a fragrance.[1] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source

Allergy to it is uncommon: North American dermatologists count it among the low-allergy preservatives, with parabens and phenoxyethanol.
Some evidenceSourceHide

the positive frequency of 0.25% is similar to other low allergenic preservatives including parabens, benzyl alcohol, and phenoxyethanol[3] Study · 2022 · open source
The US expert panel concluded it is safe as used in cosmetics.
Well establishedSourceHide

it was 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[2] US Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel · 2017 · open source

It works in the product, as a preservative, a solvent or for the scent.

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function mostly as fragrance ingredients/preservatives in cosmetic products[2] US Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel · 2017 · open source

It has a role as an antioxidant, a metabolite, a solvent and a fragrance.[1] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source

As a preservative, allowed up to 1%.
SourceHide

34 Benzyl alcohol ( 7 ) Benzyl Alcohol 100-51-6 202-859-9 1,0 %[4] EU law · 2026 · open source
It is also one of the fragrance allergens that labels must name: above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products, when it is used for a purpose other than preserving.
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For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product.[4] EU law · 2026 · open source
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.[4] EU law · 2026 · open source

Not on the FDA’s list of prohibited or restricted cosmetic ingredients. In the US, cosmetics and their ingredients (other than colour additives) don’t need FDA approval before sale.
SourceHide

Under U.S. law, cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market[5] US Food and Drug Administration · open source
We searched the FDA’s list of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients: no entry.open the list

Checked against these sources on 4 November 2026. Spot a mistake? Tell us.