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The material selection platform
Cosmetics Ingredients
The material selection platform
Cosmetics Ingredients

PHENYLPROPANOL

CAS Number 1335-12-2 / 122-97-4
Chem/IUPAC Name: 3-Phenylpropan-1-ol; Phenethyl carbinol
EINECS/ELINCS No: 215-621-4 / 204-587-6
COSING REF No: 79707
PHENYLPROPANOL
Phenylpropanol is primarily a preservative that is used in a wide variety of personal care and cosmetic products. It keeps bacteria and fungi out of the product, thus increasing its shelf life. Phenylpropanol is also used to mask the odor of the ingredients that are not so pleasing to the nose. In its raw form, it appears as a clear liquid that is colorless and has a delicate scent. The chemical formula of Phenylpropanol is C9H12O.

What is PHENYLPROPANOL used for?

Phenylpropanol is a good secondary ingredient found in many personal care and cosmetic ingredients.
  • Skin care: It is used as a masking agent to block out the unpleasant odor of ingredients in a product. It has a delicate fragrance that makes personal care products more appealing
  • Cosmetic products: It acts as a preservative because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties. The addition of this ingredient helps in achieving preservative-free products

Origin

Phenylpropanol is made by the reaction of propenyl benzene and hydrochloric acid in the presence of a base like sodium hydroxide.

What does PHENYLPROPANOL do in a formulation?

  • Antimicrobial
  • Masking
  • Perfuming
  • Preservative

Safety profile

Phenylpropanol is safe for the skin and is typically used up to concentrations of 0.3%. Higher concentrations may cause negative side effects like skin irritation because of the fragrance present in it. A patch test must be performed before the full application of this ingredient. Further, Phenylpropanol is not safe for use during pregnancy because the skin is quite sensitive at this time and may sustain rashes.

Technical profile

Property Values
Boiling Point 219°C
Melting Point -18°C
Solubility Slightly soluble in water
12
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