Ingredient Directory
Medium ConcernVegan Evaluator Flag

Benzyl Alcohol

Phenylmethanol

Safety Flags
Allergen: EU26 Allergen
Safety Notes

Permitted preservative AND EU 26 fragrance allergen, must be disclosed at ≥0.001% leave-on

Function & Common Use

Function

Preservative / Solvent / Fragrance

Category

Preservative

Common In

Creams, lotions, fragrances

Origin

Synthetic / Natural

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No formal limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

1.0% as preservative EU; allergen disclosure ≥0.001% leave-on

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked; EU limit reference: 1.0% as preservative EU; allergen disclosure ≥0.001% leave-on

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Baby restriction: Caution in baby products, neonatal hepatotoxicity concern

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

IFRA: IFRA 49th Amendment restrictions apply. Also functions as preservative (EU Annex V permitted at up to 1%).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Benzyl Alcohol safe to use in skincare?

Benzyl Alcohol has a Medium concern rating. Permitted preservative AND EU 26 fragrance allergen, must be disclosed at ≥0.001% leave-on

Is Benzyl Alcohol allowed in India?

Benzyl Alcohol is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is No formal limit.

What is Benzyl Alcohol used for in cosmetics?

Benzyl Alcohol functions as: Preservative / Solvent / Fragrance. It is commonly found in: Creams, lotions, fragrances.

Can Benzyl Alcohol cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Benzyl Alcohol has an allergen flag (EU26 Allergen). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

Is Benzyl Alcohol safe for babies?

Benzyl Alcohol has baby/child restrictions: Caution in baby products, neonatal hepatotoxicity concern. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Medium Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic preservative; TGA cosmetic use acceptable; ensure compliance with Therapeutic Goods (Cosmetics) Rules 2020 if therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Preservative; Health Canada cosmetic ingredient use; no specific NHPID restriction identified in source checked unless therapeutic claims are made

EU Annex: EU Annex V + EU 26 allergen

Identifiers

CAS100-51-6
EC202-859-9

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