Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl alcohol (phenylcarbinol) is an organic compound belonging to the aromatic alcohols. It has the formula C₆H₅CH₂OH

General characteristics

Name: benzyl alcohol.
Other names: phenylmethanol, phenylcarbinol.
Chemical formula: C₆H₅CH₂OH.
Molar mass: 108.14 g/mol.
Appearance: colorless liquid.
Odor: weak, pleasant, similar to the aroma of jasmine.
Solubility: well soluble in alcohols, ethers, chloroform;moderately soluble in water.

Physicochemical properties.

Melting point: 15℃.
Boiling point: about 205℃.
Density: 1.045 g/cm3 (at 20℃).
Taste: slightly burning.
Stability: fairly stable, but can oxidize in air to benzaldehyde or benzoic acid.

Benzyl alcohol is a multifunctional ingredient in cosmetic products.It is used as a preservative, solvent, fragrance, and antiseptic component.

Main functions in cosmetics

Preservative:

- protects the cosmetic product from the development of bacteria, fungi, and mold;
- is often part of natural preservation systems, especially in combination with dehydroacetic acid or sorbic acid;
- helps extend the shelf life of creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, etc.

Fragrance / aroma fixative:

- has a light pleasant floral scent (similar to jasmine or hyacinth);
- is used in perfumery to stabilize the aroma (fixes volatile components).

Solvent:

- helps evenly distribute essential oils, aromatic compounds, extracts in aqueous or alcoholic formulas;
- improves the texture of creams and gels.

Antiseptic effect:

- has a bacteriostatic effect (inhibits the growth of bacteria), therefore it is often used in products for sensitive and problem skin;
- in some products it can act as a light preservative without additional chemical impurities.

Concentration of use:

- in cosmetics, benzyl alcohol is usually used in concentrations from 0.3% to 1%
- as a preservative;
- in natural cosmetics (according to ECOCERT, COSMOS) use is allowed up to 1%;
- in perfumery or aromatic compositions;
- it can be up to 5% or more, depending on the recipe.

Safety and effect on the skin:

- in moderate concentrations it is safe for most skin types;
- has a mild antiseptic effect, does not dry the skin if used in low doses;
- may cause irritation at high concentrations or on very sensitive skin;
- is considered an acceptable component even in children's cosmetics, if the concentration standards are met.

Where it is used:

- face creams and lotions;
- shampoos and conditioners;
- shaving products;
- perfumes and toilet water;
- natural cosmetics (with ECOCERT, COSMOS, NATRUE labels);
- products with essential oils or plant extracts.

Compatibility Benzyl alcohol goes well with:

- essential oils (for example: lavender, citrus, rose);
- plant extracts;
- natural preservatives (sorbic, benzoic, dehydroacetic acid).