Moderate Preservative NOAEL Data GHS Classified Sensitization Data Dermal Penetration

Benzyl Alcohol

INCI: BENZYL ALCOHOL

CAS Number
100-51-6
Function
fragrance; preservative; solvent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 1% as preservative in cosmetics (Annex V); labelling required >10 ppm leave-on / >100 ppm rinse-off as fragrance
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted as both fragrance and preservative; GRAS status; RIFM-assessed

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
high

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for Benzyl Alcohol. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL 200 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 400 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Carcinogenicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 750 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Reproductive COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 500 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 400 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Subchronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 800 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Subchronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 400 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Subchronic COSMOS_DB
LOAEL 800 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Subchronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 200 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Subchronic COSMOS_DB

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Short-term Exposure Effects
The aerosol is irritating to the eyes and skin. The substance may cause effects on the nervous system.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

Sensitization Profile

Contact sensitization data for Benzyl Alcohol based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.

Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
fragrance
EU Allergen Listed
yes
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.5%
Cross-reactivity Group
balsam-of-peru-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
IFRA Restricted — max 1.0% in finished products

Source: ESSCA/IVDK

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Benzyl Alcohol, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
18-28%
Penetration Level
dermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis/dermis
Molecular Weight
108.1 Da
Log P
1.1
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
12-22%
Safety Margin Factor
high
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation

Source: SCCS/1547/15, CIR

Expert Verdict

Preservative with recognized in vitro evidence of broad inhibition of skin commensal flora at maximum allowed concentrations, alongside phenoxyethanol and parabens. Beneficial skin bacteria appear more sensitive to it than pathogens. Microbiome-neutral formulation strategies including hurdle technology, low-pH systems, and reduced concentrations are preferred for microbiome-positioned products.

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

preservative microbiome-disruptive commensal-inhibitor in-vitro-concern eu_children_restricted epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Benzyl Alcohol safe in cosmetics?

Preservative with recognized in vitro evidence of broad inhibition of skin commensal flora at maximum allowed concentrations, alongside phenoxyethanol and parabens. Beneficial skin bacteria appear more sensitive to it than pathogens. Microbiome-neutral formulation strategies including hurdle technology, low-pH systems, and reduced concentrations are preferred for microbiome-positioned products. The EU classifies Benzyl Alcohol as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Benzyl Alcohol allowed in the EU?

Benzyl Alcohol EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 1% as preservative in cosmetics (Annex V); labelling required >10 ppm leave-on / >100 ppm rinse-off as fragrance. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Benzyl Alcohol do in cosmetics?

Benzyl Alcohol functions as: fragrance; preservative; solvent. It is classified as a Preservative in our database. CAS number: 100-51-6.

What is the Margin of Safety for Benzyl Alcohol?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for Benzyl Alcohol?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Benzyl Alcohol is 200 mg/kg bw/day based on a Carcinogenicity study via oral route in mouse. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Compliance Tools

Check Benzyl Alcohol compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

🔬
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
 🌸
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
 🧪
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
 🧮
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
 ⚗️
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

Related Ingredients

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Good
Linoleamide DEA
Moderate
Propylparaben
Moderate
Glyceryl Caprylate
Excellent
Chloroxylenol (PCMX)
Good
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