BENZYL ALCOHOL

Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol. In pharmacopoeial and regulatory nomenclatures it also appears as alcohol benzylicus and benzyl alcohol. Within the CosIng framework, it is recognized with the technical functions of preservative (PRESERVATIVE), solvent (SOLVENT), viscosity controlling agent (VISCOSITY CONTROLLING) and perfuming component (PERFUMING).

In Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, the ingredient appears in Annex III, reference 45, with cross cosmetic restrictions in III/45 and V/34. No numerical maximum concentration limit is specified in the record provided. The product type field of the entry lists the following uses: "(a) Solvent; (b) Fragrance/ aromatic compositions/ their raw materials". The conditions of use state literally: "For purposes other than inhibiting the development of microorganisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product. The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products." No additional mandatory labelling warnings are recorded beyond the cited conditions, and the ingredient is not classified as CMR.

The cosmetic restrictions applicable to the ingredient are III/45 and V/34. The information presented is for technical reference only and does not constitute a recommendation for use or an efficacy claim.

Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol. In cosmetic formulation it is attributed the technical functions of preservative, solvent, viscosity controlling agent and perfuming component. Ingredients with a preservative function contribute to the microbiological stability of the finished product; solvents facilitate the incorporation of other components into the appropriate phase; viscosity controlling agents modify rheological properties; and perfuming components contribute to the olfactory profile of the formula. It also appears under pharmacopoeial denominations such as benzyl alcohol (INN) and alcohol benzylicus (Ph.Eur).

Under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, this ingredient is included in Annex V, reference 34, the list of preservatives authorized in cosmetic products. The maximum authorized concentration in the ready-to-use product is "1.0%". The substance is also listed in Annex III, reference 45, with the product types "(a) Solvent" and "(b) Fragrance/ aromatic compositions/ their raw materials". The regulatory data do not record any additional mandatory labelling warnings specific to this Annex V entry, nor any restriction by type of cosmetic product. The substance is not classified as CMR according to the data considered.

Ingredients with a preservative function are incorporated into cosmetic formulas to help preserve the integrity of the product during its shelf life and the period after opening, within the quantitative and qualitative limits set by the applicable regulations. The solvent, viscosity control and perfuming functions are part of the technical design of the formula. The information presented is for technical reference only and does not constitute a recommendation for use or an efficacy claim.