Benzyl Alcohol

OriginDerived from the aromatic compound benzene, a basic hydrocarbon chemical building block produced from petroleum or coal tar. Synthesized through the hydrogenation of benzaldehyde or by oxidation of toluene using catalytic processes.

A colorless liquid with a sharp burning taste and slight odor. It is used as a local anesthetic and to reduce pain associated with LIDOCAINE injection. Also, it is used in the manufacture of other benzyl compounds, as a pharmaceutic aid, and in perfumery and flavoring.

Formula

C7H8O

Mol. Weight

108.14

CAS #

100-51-6

Form

Liquid

Skin Types

●Good for

Best For

General

Allergen Warning

⚠️ EU Fragrance Allergen

Functions

Solvent

Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.

Preserves Formula

Dissolves Ingredients

Controls Viscosity

Adds Fragrance

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

EWG

CIR

Reviewed by CIR

Pregnancy

—

CIR Safety Findings

Mixed Skin Irritation Results

5 studies / 3 irritating / 1 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions weak to severe (CIR 323 and 574)

Mixed Sensitization Results

3 studies / 1 sensitizing / 2 not sensitizing / plus 5 case reports (CIR 323 and 574)

Mixed Phototoxicity Results

Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 323 and 574)

Dermal Absorption 19.8–79.9%

2 animal and lab (in vitro) studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 574)

Concentration Guide

Leave-on0.000008–3%

Rinse-off0.000006–10%

0%50%100%

Reg. limit 4%

CIR reported use · 2010 survey

FDA OTC limit (Anorectal Local Anesthetic): 4%. 21 CFR 346.10

Regulatory Status

USAunder review

EU✔ permitted

JAPAN✔ permitted

CANADA✔ permitted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR