65.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
solvent · fragrance · preservative · stabilizer
BENZENEMETHANOL, .ALPHA.-(TRICHLOROMETHYL)-, ACETATE
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Generally regarded as safe when used appropriately, though caution is advised due to potential irritants.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in well-formulated cosmetic products
- applied in recommended concentrations
- not used on broken skin
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in combination with other active ingredients
- applying to large areas of skin
✕ Avoid If:
- pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor
- you have a known allergy to similar compounds
- using on open wounds or irritated skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, hair products. Use in moderation and follow product instructions.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Consult a healthcare provider for medical use.
Household
Cleaning agents, air fresheners. Ensure proper ventilation when using.
Food
Flavoring agents, food preservatives. Check for food-grade certification.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, herbal products. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Moderate
Skin contact may cause irritation or sensitization in some individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: High
Ingestion can lead to serious health effects; avoid oral exposure.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Moderate
Inhalation may cause respiratory irritation; use in well-ventilated areas.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Very High
Eye contact can cause severe irritation or damage; avoid contact.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- pregnant — Potential risks to fetal development; avoid exposure.
- infants_children — Higher susceptibility to toxic effects; keep away.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally tolerable with precautions.
- elderly — May tolerate with caution; monitor closely.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Moderate | Adults may have varying sensitivities; monitor for irritation. |
| pregnant | High | Potential risks to fetal development; avoid exposure. |
| infants_children | Very High | Children are more susceptible to toxic effects. |
| breastfeeding | Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; caution advised. |
| elderly | Low to Moderate | Elderly may have increased sensitivity to chemicals. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Research indicates variable safety profiles depending on concentration and formulation.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | Not a skin irritant | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | no sensitization observed | Human sensitization study | Low sensitization potential | FDA Food Additive Status (2020) |
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
Research indicates variable safety profiles depending on concentration and formulation.
- Potential irritant in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory assessments vary by region.
- Safety data supports cautious use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Benzyl Alcohol and Related Compounds
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Generally safe in cosmetic formulations at recommended concentrations.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Benzyl Alcohol
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetics under certain conditions.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted as a food additive under specific regulations.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory status is generally favorable across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
Limited to specific concentrations in food and cosmetics.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics under SCCS guidelines.
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Regulated similarly to EU standards.
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics and food under specific conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should exercise caution.
It's best to consult a healthcare provider before using during pregnancy.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T18:02:30.398646Z | — | 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.