Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol
Also known as: Phenylcarbinol · Phenylmethanol
PreservativeFragrance
“A dual-use preservative and fragrance component — and a known allergen.”
What it does
Benzyl alcohol is a naturally occurring aromatic alcohol used both as a preservative and as a fragrance ingredient. It is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens that must be disclosed on cosmetic labels. As a preservative it is mild and broad-spectrum; as a fragrance it contributes floral, slightly sweet notes.
Benefits
- Effective broad-spectrum preservative at low concentrations
- Naturally found in many plant extracts
How to layer
☀️ Morning routine
Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Moisturiser
SPF
🌙 Evening routine
Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Moisturiser
Face Oil
After cleansing, before moisturiser
Good for
Normal skinOily skin
Heads up
- ⚠One of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens
- ⚠Can cause contact dermatitis in sensitised individuals
- ⚠High concentrations can be drying
How to use
If fragrance-sensitive, choose products without benzyl alcohol in leave-on formulations.
Typical concentration: ≤1% as preservative; disclosed as fragrance allergen above 0.001%