Benzyl alcohol in skincare
A substance that can be used as a preservative, solvent and fragrance ingredient.
What is benzyl alcohol?
A substance that can be used as a preservative, solvent and fragrance ingredient. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Benzyl Alcohol. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does benzyl alcohol do for skin and the product?
Serves several functions depending on the product's composition.
Preservation protects the product during storage and use. Water-containing formulations require an assessment of microbial safety. The overall system depends on factors including pH, packaging and other ingredients.
May be relevant for fragrance allergies. Benzyl alcohol is not a fatty alcohol.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about benzyl alcohol
What does benzyl alcohol do in skincare?
Serves several functions depending on the product's composition.
What should I know about benzyl alcohol?
May be relevant for fragrance allergies. Benzyl alcohol is not a fatty alcohol.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations