Benzyl Alcohol; Benzyl Alcohols

(in 15,260 products)

1. Bacteriostatic Agent - Prevents, slows or inhibits bacteria growth

2. Drug / Medicine - Treats, alleviates, cures, or prevents sickness. As officially declared by a governmental drug/medicine regulatory body

3. Fragrance / Fragrance Component - Provides or enhances a particular smell or odor.

4. Insecticide / Pesticide - Kills or inhibits unwanted organisms

5. Preservative - Prevents and inhibits the growth of unwanted microorganisms which may be harmful

6. Solvent (Cosmetics) - Enhances the properties of other ingredients

7. Viscosity Controlling Agent - Maintains or alters the thickness of a liquid, mostly used in cosmetics

Benzyl alcohol is a common ingredient that is widely used in the cosmetics and personal care industry, as well as in some food products. It is a colorless liquid that is typically derived from natural sources, such as fruits and teas.

In cosmetics, benzyl alcohol is often used as a preservative, as it helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in products such as lotions, creams, and shampoos. It is also used as a solvent and fragrance ingredient, and can help to enhance the scent of products.

In food production, benzyl alcohol is used as a flavoring agent and to enhance the aroma of certain foods. It is commonly found in products such as baked goods, confectionery items, and soft drinks. Benzyl alcohol is generally considered safe for use in these products, as it is used in very small amounts.

While benzyl alcohol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food products, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or other side effects.

It is approved to use as food additive (E1519) and cosmetics in EU. [1] [2]

Benzyl alcohol is shown to be fairly toxic when as an intravitreal (eye) injection to rabbits, it also showed a high toxicity level in mice. [3] [4]

The withdrawal of benzyl alcohol as a bateriostatic (ingredients that prevent the growth of, but does not kill bacteria) in infant injections also reduced the risk of "the gasping syndrome". This shows the use of benzyl alcohol as an antibacterial preservative may need to be reassessed. [4] [5]

In a sample size of around 440 infants, it was found that benzyl alcohol is strongly linked to the incidence of kernicterus (a form of brain damage). The study concluded with patients who are not exposed to benzyl alcohol have a "greatly reduced risk of kernicterus". [6]

However, in a dermal study involving adults, benzyl alcohol was found to have no side effects with the suggestion that products containing up to 10% benzyl alcohol may be used. [7]

A separate study showed the effectiveness of benzyl alcohol when used with lidocaine (a type of dental anesthetic). In a study of 20 subjects, the benzyl alcohol and lidocaine combination proved to be 27% less painful and a 29% increase in anesthetic duration compared to lidocaine alone. [8]

It can be tentatively deduced that benzyl alcohol, like most alcohols, has an adverse effect on brain development, and its effects are particularly pronounced on infants. The toxicity of benzyl alcohol in adults is far more benign while helping to boost the effects of other medications.

(EC) No 344/2013

III/45

(a) Solvent

(b) Fragrance/ aromatic compositions/ their raw materials

For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product.

(b) The presence of the substance must be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1)(g) when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.

1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/244

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzyl_alcohol

3. Intravitreal toxicity of the kenalog vehicle (benzyl alcohol) in rabbits (Retina. 2006, Mar; 26(3):339-44)

4. Toxicity of benzyl alcohol in adult and neonatal mice (J Pharm Sci. 1986, Jul; 75(7):702-5)

5. The gasping syndrome and benzyl alcohol poisoning (N Engl J Med. 1982, Nov 25; 307(22):1384-8)

6. Relationship of benzyl alcohol to kernicterus, intraventricular hemorrhage, and mortality in preterm infants (Pediatrics. 1989, Feb; 83(2):153-60)

7. Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate (Int J Toxicol. 2001;20 Suppl 3:23-50)

8. Benzyl alcohol attenuates the pain of lidocaine injections and prolongs anesthesia (J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1994, Nov; 20(11):730-3)

1. South Korea - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety - Prohibited/Restricted Chemicals

- Ref: 496

2. EU CosIng Annex III, SUBSTANCES WITH RESTRICTIONS IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS [2018]

- Ref: III/45

3. EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety

- List A: http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/perfume-allergies/en/l-3/1-introduction.htm

4. US FDA Food Additives Status List [2018]

- Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS)

- §172.515 / §175.105 / §175.300 / §177.1210

5. US FDA Color Additives Status List [2015]

- §73.1001

6. EU Approved Food Additive [2018]

- E1519

7. Japan’s List of Designated Food Additives under Article 10 of the Food Sanitation Act

- Benzyl Alcohol

8. EU CosIng Annex V, PRESERVATIVES ALLOWED IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS [2017]

- Ref: V/34

9. Association of Southeast Asian Nations Annex VI, Allowed Preservatives

- Benzyl alcohol

10. International Fragrance Association Transparency List [2015]