6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
preservative · fragrance ingredient · solvent · antimicrobial agent
Benzyl Alcohol
Also known as: phenylcarbinol, benzenemethanol, benzyl hydrate
Molecular Formula
C7H8O
Molecular Weight
108.13 g/mol
Category
solvent
Bottom Line: Benzyl alcohol is generally considered safe in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, though some may experience irritation. Always check product labels.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations (typically below 5%)
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-formulated products
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using on children or infants
- combining with other potential irritants
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to benzyl alcohol
- you have a history of skin reactions
- using in large quantities or undiluted
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C7H8O |
| Molecular Weight | 108.13 g/mol |
| Solubility | soluble in water and organic solvents |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, sunscreens. Generally safe in cosmetics, but check for skin sensitivity.
Food
Flavoring agents, preservatives. Used in food at low concentrations; consult food safety guidelines.
Pharmaceutical
Topical medications, injections. Safe in pharmaceuticals; follow dosage instructions.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Use in well-ventilated areas to avoid irritation.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Benzyl alcohol is generally safe for skin contact in low concentrations.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of benzyl alcohol can cause toxicity, especially in high doses.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of benzyl alcohol vapors may cause irritation but is typically low risk.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Eye contact with benzyl alcohol can cause irritation and discomfort.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Infants are particularly vulnerable to benzyl alcohol toxicity.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Most adults tolerate benzyl alcohol in cosmetic formulations.
- elderly — Elderly individuals typically have a good tolerance.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate benzyl alcohol well in cosmetic products. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of benzyl alcohol during pregnancy. |
| infants_children | Very High | Infants are more sensitive to benzyl alcohol, especially in high doses. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on benzyl alcohol transfer through breast milk. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals generally tolerate benzyl alcohol well. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
8 Endpoints
Benzyl alcohol is widely used as a solvent and preservative, with a moderate safety profile.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 1230 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage (OECD 401/423) | Moderate toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment, SCCS, EU Allergen Regulation |
| LD50 Dermal | 2000 mg/kg | Rabbit - Dermal application (OECD 402) | Moderate toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment, SCCS, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Irritation | mild | Draize test (OECD 404) | mild irritation potential | CIR Safety Assessment, SCCS, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Eye Irritation | moderate | Draize test (OECD 405) | moderate irritation potential | CIR Safety Assessment, SCCS, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Skin Sensitization | Sensitizer | Guinea pig maximization test (OECD 406) | Sensitization risk | CIR Safety Assessment, SCCS, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Genotoxicity (Ames Test) | Negative | Bacterial reverse mutation assay (OECD 471) | Not mutagenic | CIR Safety Assessment, SCCS, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Negative | Two-generation study (OECD 416) | No reproductive effects | CIR Safety Assessment, SCCS, EU Allergen Regulation |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified | Long-term carcinogenicity studies (OECD 451/453) | Not classifiable as carcinogenic | CIR Safety Assessment, SCCS, EU Allergen Regulation |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Benzyl alcohol is widely used as a solvent and preservative, with a moderate safety profile.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments support its safe use in specified concentrations.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Benzyl Alcohol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Benzyl alcohol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Benzyl Alcohol
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Benzyl alcohol is safe for use in cosmetic products under certain conditions.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Benzyl alcohol is generally recognized as safe when used in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Benzyl alcohol is permitted in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions with specific guidelines. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
Safe in food and cosmetics at specified concentrations.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics and food under specific conditions.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Used in cosmetics and food with guidelines.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics and food at regulated levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benzyl alcohol is generally safe, but those with sensitive skin should use caution.
Though rare, benzyl alcohol can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benzyl alcohol is found in many cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and some food products.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T04:22:30.034969Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.