- beauty
- cleaning
- food
- industrial
Benzyl alcohol
CAS 27134-46-9 · 70/100 · High conf.
Also registered as 6 other CAS numbers
66072-40-0 · 1336-27-2 · 185532-71-2 · 2263936-23-6 · 2565578-76-7 · 100-51-6
Concern score
70/100High concern based on regulatory listings.
High confidence
Benzyl alcohol in plain language
Also known as Benzenemethanol · Benzyl alcohol (7) · Phenylmethanol · Phenylmethyl alcohol · alpha-HYDROXYTOLUENE · (Hydroxymethyl)benzene
Show all 31 names
.alpha.-hydroxytoluene · Alcool benzylique · Benzylalcohol · Benzal alcohol · Benzenecarbinol · Benzolmethanol · Benzoyl alcohol · Benzylalkohol · Benzylicum · E-1519 · Hydroxytoluene · Ins NO.1519 · INS-1519 · Methanol, phenyl- · Phenylcarbinol · Phenolcarbinol · Phenylcarbinolum · Ulesfia · alcohol bencilico · alpha-Toluenol · benzyl alcohol. ld50:(oral) 1230 mg/kg. · benzylic alcohol · hydroxymethylbenzene · α-Hydroxytoluene · alcohol benzylicus
Used in cosmetics as a preservative, a solvent and a thickener. Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol.
- Preservative
- Solvent
- Viscosity controlling
- Perfuming
- Flavouring agent, carrier solvent
- Emulsifier
- High concern: no hazard classifications on record. It is restricted in EU cosmetics.
Why it's flagged
Benzyl Alcohol is restricted in cosmetic products under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.
RestrictedEU EC — restricted
The score describes this ingredient's chemical identity — its hazard profile from published classifications and regulatory status — not the safety of any product it appears in.
Regulation
Restrictions first, then routine listings from published regulatory sources.
- In marketed US drugs
- EU Annex III — restricted
- EU Annex V — permitted preservative
- EU permitted preservative
- EU restricted in cosmetics
- Inactive ingredient in US drugs
- Found in consumer products
- Beauty
- Cleaning
- Pharma
- Industrial
- View source →restricted
EUEC
Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009: substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down. Product types: (a) Solvent (b) Fragrance/ aromatic compositions/ their raw materials Other conditions: For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product. The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
USFDAinactive ingredient database50 entries — 18 administration routes
- Route: INTRAMUSCULAR; Dosage form: INJECTION, EMULSION; Maximum daily exposure: 225 mgSource →
- Route: INTRAMUSCULAR; Dosage form: INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION; Potency: 144 mgSource →
- Route: INTRAMUSCULAR; Dosage form: INJECTION, SOLUTION; Maximum daily exposure: 500 mgSource →
- Route: INTRAMUSCULAR; Dosage form: INJECTION, SUSPENSION; Maximum daily exposure: 40 mgSource →
- Route: INTRAMUSCULAR; Dosage form: SOLUTION; Maximum daily exposure: 54 mgSource →
- Route: INTRASYNOVIAL; Dosage form: INJECTION, SUSPENSION; Maximum daily exposure: 18 mgSource →
- Route: INTRAVENOUS; Dosage form: INJECTION; Maximum daily exposure: 1620 mgSource →
- Route: INTRAVENOUS; Dosage form: INJECTION, EMULSION; Maximum daily exposure: 45 mgSource →
- Route: INTRAVENOUS; Dosage form: INJECTION, POWDER, FOR SOLUTION; Potency: 144 mgSource →
- Route: INTRAVENOUS; Dosage form: INJECTION, SOLUTION; Maximum daily exposure: 400 mgSource →
- Route: INTRAVENOUS; Dosage form: LIQUID; Potency: 1.04 %w/vSource →
- Route: INTRAVENOUS; Dosage form: SOLUTION; Maximum daily exposure: 242 mgSource →
- Route: NASAL; Dosage form: SPRAY; Maximum daily exposure: 5 mgSource →
- Route: NASAL; Dosage form: SPRAY, METERED; Potency: 5 mg/1mlSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: CAPSULE; Maximum daily exposure: 450 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE; Potency: 1.23 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: SOLUTION; Maximum daily exposure: 360 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: SUSPENSION; Maximum daily exposure: 100 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: TABLET; Potency: 1.06 mgSource →
- Route: ORAL; Dosage form: TABLET, DELAYED RELEASE; Potency: 2.31 mgSource →
- Route: RECTAL; Dosage form: GEL; Maximum daily exposure: 124 mgSource →
- Route: RECTAL; Dosage form: SUPPOSITORY; Potency: 129 mgSource →
- Route: SOFT TISSUE; Dosage form: INJECTION; Maximum daily exposure: 23 mgSource →
- Route: SOFT TISSUE; Dosage form: INJECTION, SUSPENSION; Maximum daily exposure: 40 mgSource →
- Route: SUBCONJUNCTIVAL; Dosage form: INJECTION; Maximum daily exposure: 252 mgSource →
- Route: SUBCUTANEOUS; Dosage form: INJECTION; Maximum daily exposure: 90 mgSource →
- Route: SUBCUTANEOUS; Dosage form: INJECTION, EMULSION; Maximum daily exposure: 225 mgSource →
- Route: SUBCUTANEOUS; Dosage form: INJECTION, SOLUTION; Potency: 0.95 %w/vSource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: CREAM; Maximum daily exposure: 160 mgSource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: GEL; Maximum daily exposure: 185 mgSource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: LOTION; Maximum daily exposure: 4000 mgSource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: OINTMENT; Potency: 2.2 %w/wSource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: SHAMPOO; Potency: 1.25 %w/wSource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: SOLUTION; Potency: 2 %w/wSource →
- Route: TOPICAL; Dosage form: SUSPENSION; Potency: 1 %w/wSource →
- Route: VAGINAL; Dosage form: CREAM; Potency: 1 %w/wSource →
- Route: VAGINAL; Dosage form: GEL; Maximum daily exposure: 100 mgSource →
- Route: VAGINAL; Dosage form: SUPPOSITORY; Potency: NASource →
- Route: AURICULAR (OTIC); Dosage form: SUSPENSION; Potency: 0.9 %w/vSource →
- Route: ENDOTRACHEAL; Dosage form: INJECTION; Maximum daily exposure: 54 mgSource →
- + 10 more entries not shown
EUEFSAEFSA opinion5 entries
- Re-evaluation of benzyl alcohol (E 1519) as food additive (EFSA FAF)Source →
- Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of the substances currently on the list in the Annex to Commission Directive 96/3/EC as acceptable previous cargoes for edible fats and oils - Part I of III (EFSA CONTAM)Source →
- Flavouring Group Evaluation 54, Revision 1 (FGE.54Rev1): Consideration of benzyl derivatives evaluated by JECFA (57th meeting) structurally related to benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, a related acetal, benzoic acids and related esters evaluated by EFSA in FGE.20Rev1 (2009) (EFSA CEF)Source →
- Flavouring Group Evaluation 54 (FGE.54): Consideration of benzyl derivatives evaluated by JECFA (57th meeting) structurally related to benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, a related acetal, benzoic acids and related esters evaluated by EFSA in FGE.20 (2005). Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food (EFSA AFC)Source →
- Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of benzyl alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters and acetals (chemical group 23) when used as flavourings for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP)Source →
EUECallowed_listedAnnex V of EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009: preservatives allowed in cosmetic products. Maximum concentration: 1.0%
- Annex V of EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009: preservatives allowed in cosmetic products. Maximum concentration: 1.0%Source →
GLOBALJECFA0-5 mg/kg bw (1996)JECFA evaluation lists ADI 0-5 mg/kg bw (1996). Functional class: flavouring agent, carrier solvent.
- JECFA evaluation lists ADI 0-5 mg/kg bw (1996). Functional class: flavouring agent, carrier solvent.Source →
GLOBALJECFAEvaluatedJECFA evaluation record.
- JECFA evaluation record.Source →
USEPAcommercial use observedEPA CPDat observed this chemical in 9929 composition records across product categories including Raw materials, Industrial products, Construction. EPA CPDat classifies this chemical for functional uses including Preservative, Solvent, Fragrance.
- EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 9929 composition records across product categories including Raw materials, Industrial products, Construction. EPA CPDat classifies this chemical for functional uses including Preservative, Solvent, Fragrance.Source →
USFDAlisted in openFDA substanceopenFDA substance registry classifies this ingredient as chemical.
- openFDA substance registry classifies this ingredient as chemical.Source →
USFDAmarketed drug occurrenceFDA NDC lists this ingredient in 24 active drug products and 29 total products.
- FDA NDC lists this ingredient in 24 active drug products and 29 total products.Source →
Expert safety opinions
Independent scientific assessments cited by the records we hold, with the year and link where the record gives one.
SCCS
EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety
No SCCS opinion on file.
CIR
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (US expert panel)
No CIR safety assessment on file.
EFSA
European Food Safety Authority
Re-evaluation of benzyl alcohol (E 1519) as food additive (EFSA FAF)
2019 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of the substances currently on the list in the Annex to Commission Directive 96/3/EC as acceptable previous cargoes for edible fats and oils - Part I of III (EFSA CONTAM)
2011 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
Flavouring Group Evaluation 54, Revision 1 (FGE.54Rev1): Consideration of benzyl derivatives evaluated by JECFA (57th meeting) structurally related to benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, a related acetal, benzoic acids and related esters evaluated by EFSA in FGE.20Rev1 (2009) (EFSA CEF)
2009 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
Flavouring Group Evaluation 54 (FGE.54): Consideration of benzyl derivatives evaluated by JECFA (57th meeting) structurally related to benzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, a related acetal, benzoic acids and related esters evaluated by EFSA in FGE.20 (2005). Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food (EFSA AFC)
2008 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of benzyl alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters and acetals (chemical group 23) when used as flavourings for all animal species (EFSA FEEDAP)
2012 · EU EFSA listing · Read the source →
JECFA
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives
JECFA evaluation lists ADI 0-5 mg/kg bw (1996). Functional class: flavouring agent, carrier solvent.
Year not recorded · GLOBAL JECFA listing · Read the source →
JECFA evaluation record.
Year not recorded · GLOBAL JECFA listing · Read the source →
Evidence & sources
No graded research studies for Benzyl alcohol yet. This record is compiled from the published data sources below — registries and regulatory listings, not study findings.
Where this comes from
- Open →
CosIng
regulatory · updated 2026-09-23
- Open →
EU CosIng Cosmetics Regulation Annexes
regulatory · updated 2023-10-03
- Open →
EFSA OpenFoodTox
regulatory · updated 2026-10-04
- Open →
EPA Chemical and Products Database
exposure · updated september 5, 2012
- Open →
EPA DSSTox Identifiers
chemistry · updated 2025-12-29
- Open →
FDA Inactive Ingredient Database
regulatory · updated 2026-01-09
- Open →
FDA National Drug Code Directory
regulatory · updated 2029-08-02
- Open →
FDA GSRS UNII
registry · updated 2026-02-26
- Open →
WHO JECFA Database
regulatory · updated 2026-10-04
- Open →
openFDA Substance
registry · updated 2026-05-24
- Open →
PubChem Live Enrichment
chemistry · updated 2026-05-17
Reference links (2)
app.uspnf.com
Suitability
Context-specific fit derived from published classifications and the current ingredient evidence profile.
Food use
Food-use source coverage is present in the current record.
The ingredient appears in food-oriented source coverage or allowed-use references, which makes food use easier to support than a context with no domain signal at all.
Fragrance avoidance
Not a strong fit for fragrance avoidance because it carries Fragrance.
The ingredient itself is a fragrance-linked signal, so it is better treated as an avoid case when fragrance exposure is the main concern.
Where it has been recorded
How often EPA CPDat has listed Benzyl alcohol in a product composition. These are source records, not Greenveil catalog products.
Source records
9,929
Named organisations
6
Raw materialsIndustrial productsConstructionSpecialty occupational productsPersonal careHome maintenance
Typical roles
PreservativeSolventViscosity controllingPerfumingFlavouring agent, carrier solventEmulsifier
Found in these products
Their ingredient lists include Benzyl alcohol; each product's own rating depends on its whole formula, so it is shown on the product page, not here.
- Crema ManosS'nonas · Creams
- DOVE Déodorant Femme Anti-Transpirant Stick Original 50mlunilever, dove · Deodorants Anti Transpirants
- 68YN5T 400mlUltra doux · Non Food Products
- Lingette Bebe 120xDalaa Baby
- KalosKalos · Dairies
- ChampoingsPantene · Non Food Products
- Coconut MilkHerbal Essences · Health Beauty
- GanierGanier · Produit De Soin
- garnierGarnier
- Dove Original Anti-persperantUnilever,Dove · Open Beauty Facts
- Ultra DouxL'Oréal,L'Oreal Consumer products,Garnier
- Go freshDove · Cosmetic Products
- SignalCosmetic Products
- حليب لليدينLait Corporle
- body lotionNivea · Beurre De Cocoa
- dushyCosmetic Products
- pantine pro-vpantine · Open Beauty Facts
- Dove pamperingUnilever · Cosmetic Products
- lidl crème de soin hydratantecien · Non Food Products
- Lait HydratantHyderma · Non Food Products
- Refreshing beauty cream barDove
- Crème mains réparatriceMixa · Crema De Mâini
- Déodorant Narta Efficacité 48hNarta · Non Food Products
- 5 protectionNarta · Hygiene
Often appears with
Ingredients that frequently appear alongside Benzyl alcohol in the catalog.