Benzyl Alcohol is a liquid ingredient that is colorless and has a pleasant aroma. It is generally used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Benzyl Alcohol has antimicrobial properties that make it effective at preventing the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in cosmetic formulations. It is often used in concentrations of 0.5% to 2% as a preservative in a variety of products, including shampoos, lotions, creams, and makeup. However, its use is limited to products that have a pH below 5.5, as it is not effective at higher pH levels. The chemical formula of Benzyl Alcohol is C7H8O, and it is commonly derived from natural sources such as flowers and fruits.
Origin
Synthetically, Benzyl Alcohol can be made through several methods, including the hydrolysis of benzyl chloride with sodium hydroxide, the reduction of benzaldehyde with sodium borohydride, or the reaction of toluene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst. The resulting product is subjected to purification methods such as distillation to obtain Benzyl Alcohol.
Safety profile
Benzyl Alcohol is safe for use in personal care and cosmetic products when used in the recommended concentrations. It has been approved by regulatory bodies around the world and is used widely in the industry. While it can be drying to the skin in high concentrations, it is typically used at low levels in formulations. Additionally, Benzyl Alcohol is halal and vegan-friendly.