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Annex V Entry 34 Allergen 26/07/2013

BENZYL ALCOHOL

Benzyl alcohol (7)

BENZYL ALCOHOL appears in Annex V as a positive-list preservative entry for EU cosmetics. Maximum concentration in this record: 1.0%.

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Permitted preservative— Annex V, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Max conc.: 1.0%
Entry: 34
Allergen
Declared fragrance allergen

This substance is on the EU list of fragrance allergens that must be named individually in the ingredient list, rather than being covered by the word "parfum", once it exceeds 0.001% in a leave-on product or 0.01% in a rinse-off product.

Declaration is a labelling duty under Article 19, not a restriction on use. See the allergen record

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 100-51-6
CAS 100-51-6PubChem CID 244

Benzyl Alcohol

Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol that consists of benzene bearing a single hydroxymethyl substituent. It has a role as an antioxidant, a metabolite, a solvent and a fragrance. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
phenylmethanol
Molecular formula
C7H8O
Molecular weight
108.14 g/mol
Exact mass
108.057514874 Da
XLogP3
1.1
Topological polar surface area
20.2 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
1
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

benzenemethanolphenylcarbinolBenzenecarbinolHydroxytolueneBenzoyl alcoholalpha-ToluenolPhenylmethyl alcohol(Hydroxymethyl)benzene
16 more reported names
Phenolcarbinolalpha-hydroxytolueneAlcool benzyliqueBenzal alcoholMethanol, phenyl-benzylic alcoholBenzylicumhydroxymethylbenzenePhenylcarbinolumUlesfiaAlcohol, BenzylAlcohol bencilicoalcoholum benzylicumFEMA No. 2137NCI-C06111Alcool benzilico
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

EMBL-EBI ChEBI
Exact identifier matchCHEBI:17987

benzyl alcohol

An aromatic alcohol that consists of benzene bearing a single hydroxymethyl substituent.

Formula
C7H8O
Average mass
108.140 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
108.05751 Da
Formal charge
0
  • benzyl alcohols — is a (CHEBI:22743)
  • solvent — has role (CHEBI:46787)
  • metabolite — has role (CHEBI:25212)
  • antioxidant — has role (CHEBI:22586)
  • fragrance — has role (CHEBI:48318)
  • antiparasitic agent — has role (CHEBI:35442)
  • solvent — has role (CHEBI:46787)
  • metabolite — has role (CHEBI:25212)
  • antioxidant — has role (CHEBI:22586)
  • fragrance — has role (CHEBI:48318)
  • antiparasitic agent — has role (CHEBI:35442)
  • benzyl alcohols — is a (CHEBI:22743)
Additional curated names
phenylmethanolAlcohol, benzylAlcohol,benzylAlcohol benzylicusalcoholum benzylicumalcool benzyliquealpha-HydroxytolueneAromatic alcoholbenzenecarbinolBenzenemethanolBenzyl alcoholBenzylalkoholbenzylic alcoholE-1519E1519FEMA NO. 2137(hydroxymethyl)benzeneHydroxymethylbenzeneINS-1519INS NO.1519NSC-8044PhenylcarbinolPhenylmethanolphenylmethyl alcoholalpha-toluenol
Cross-references from this source
  • CAS: 100-51-6 — ChemIDplus
  • CAS: 100-51-6 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • CAS: 100-51-6 — NIST Chemistry WebBook
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 26514 — Gmelin
  • REGISTRY_NUMBER: 878307 — Reaxys
  • MANUAL_X_REF: 334 — DrugCentral
  • MANUAL_X_REF: Benzyl_Alcohol — Wikipedia
  • MANUAL_X_REF: BENZYL-ALCOHOL — MetaCyc
  • MANUAL_X_REF: C00029811 — KNApSAcK
  • MANUAL_X_REF: C00556 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • MANUAL_X_REF: c0278 — UM-BBD
  • MANUAL_X_REF: C03485 — KEGG COMPOUND
  • MANUAL_X_REF: D00077 — KEGG DRUG
  • MANUAL_X_REF: HMDB0003119 — HMDB

Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Source updated: 2021-09-27. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match244

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • Substance: Benzyl Alcohol Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • NTP Technical Report: TR-343: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Benzyl Alcohol (CASRN 100-51-6) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies) (1989 ) Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Peer Review Date: 11/06/87 Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Male Rat: No Evidence Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Female Rat: No Evidence Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Male Mice: No Evidence Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Conclusion for Female Mice: No Evidence Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • Summary: Under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of benzyl alcohol for male or female F344/N rats dosed with 200 or 400 mg/kg. Survival in both dose groups of female rats was 50% that of vehicle controls, primarily due to an increased number of gavage-related deaths. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of benzyl alcohol for male or female B6C3F1 mice dosed with 100 or 200 mg/kg for 2 years. Source: NTP Technical Reports
  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whene Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Signal: Warning Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P272, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P321, P330, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 4746) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (> 99.9%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H319 (18.8%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332 (95.3%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P330, P337+P317, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 4746 reports by companies from 43 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 4746 reports by companies.; There are 42 notifications provided by 4745 of 4746 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (100%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H312 (100%): Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (100%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332 (100%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335 (100%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P319, P321, P330, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: The GHS information provided by 1 company from 1 notification to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION: Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic organic alcohol, water-white in color with a faint aromatic odor and a sharp burning taste; it is a preservative, a solvent, and a local anesthetic. It is used in a wide variety of products including photographic developer for color movie films; dyeing nylon filament, textiles, and sheet plastics; solvent for dyestuffs, cellulose esters, casein, waxes; heat-sealing polyethylene films; intermediate for benzyl esters and ethers; bacteriostatic; cosmetics, ointments, emulsions; ball point pen inks; stencil inks. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Benzyl alcohol has been found to be irritating to the skin at levels 3% or greater. Patch test with 0.65% benzyl alcohol did not produce irritation of the skin. Benzyl alcohol poisoning can cause the gasping syndrome in neonates. The infants had a typical course of gradual neurologic deterioration, severe metabolic acidosis, the striking onset of gasping respirations, thrombocytopenia, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, cardiovascular collapse and death. In every infant, unmetabolized benzyl alcohol was identified in the urine. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur after parenteral or dermal exposur Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 1.4 was calculated in fish for benzyl alcohol(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.10(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of <5(2) and 29(3) indicate that benzyl alcohol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of benzyl alcohol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 3.37X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(4). Benzyl alcohol is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 9.4X10-2 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 94% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(6) indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values of <5(2) and 27(3) indicate that benzyl alcohol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 3.37X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 1.4(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.10(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 94% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 2 weeks(9) indicating that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), benzyl alcohol, which has a vapor pressure of 9.4X10-2 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor phase benzyl alcohol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 2 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.3X10-11 cu cm/molecule sec at 25 °C(3). Benzyl alcohol does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Consumer Uses: Other; Solvent; Solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture); Insulators; Preservative; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Fragrance; Cleaning agent Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Processing aids not otherwise specified; Flavoring and nutrient; Solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture); Dispersing agent; Solvent; Foamant; Other; Intermediate; Solvents (for cleaning or degreasing); Hardener; Cleaning agent; Fragrance; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Filler; Preservative Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Benzyl Alcohol Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used as a preservative, epoxy resin catalyst, and in the photographic developer C-22; [Kanerva, p. 1757] Used as a preservative, solvent, and local anesthetic; [Marks, p. 136] Used as a preservative in drugs for injection; [Kanerva, p. 462-3] Used in flavors and perfumes and as a solvent for inks and dyes; [AIHA] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Photographic Processing [Category: Other] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For benzyl alcohol (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 9502) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered /pesticide/ products ... "cancelled." Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: ... Photographic developer for color movie films; dyeing nylon filament, textiles, and sheet plastics; solvent for dyestuffs, cellulose esters, casein, waxes, etc.; heat-sealing polyethylene films; intermediate for benzyl esters and ethers; bacteriostat; cosmetics, ointments, emulsions; ball point pen inks; stencil inks. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Benzyl alcohol is used in cosmetics as a fragrance component, preservative, solvent, and viscosity-decreasing agent. In January 1998, benzyl alcohol was reported to be used in 322 cosmetic formulations. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for BENZYL ALCOHOL (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
EMBL-EBI ChEBIExact match2026-08-31
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Maximum concentration

1.0%

INCI glossary name

BENZYL ALCOHOL

Chemical name

Benzyl alcohol (7)

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2013/344

See every entry this act set

Identified ingredients

EU Fragrance Allergen

This substance is linked to an EU fragrance-allergen reference. Check the current Annex III entry for the declaration threshold and any additional conditions.

BENZYL ALCOHOL

Key data

CAS
100-51-6
EC
202-859-9
Annex
V
Entry number
34

Inventory links for BENZYL ALCOHOL

Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 32153

BENZYL ALCOHOL

CAS: 100-51-6
EC: 202-859-9

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex V are shown as well.

Annex V 33
Nearby record in the same annex

DMDM HYDANTOIN

CAS: 6440-58-0
EC: 229-222-8
Annex V 32
Nearby record in the same annex

CLIMBAZOLE

CAS: 38083-17-9
EC: 253-775-4
Annex V 30
Nearby record in the same annex

METHENAMINE

CAS: 100-97-0
EC: 202-905-8
Annex V 29
Nearby record in the same annex

PHENOXYETHANOL

CAS: 122-99-6
EC: 204-589-7
Annex V 38
Nearby record in the same annex

O-CYMEN-5-OL

CAS: 3228-02-2
EC: 221-761-7
Annex V 28
Nearby record in the same annex

POLYAMINOPROPYL BIGUANIDE

CAS: 32289-58-0 [1]/ 27083-27-8 [2]/ 28757-47-3 [3]/ 133029-32-0 [4]
EC: 608-723-9 [1]/ 608-042-7 [2]

What Annex V means for BENZYL ALCOHOL

BENZYL ALCOHOL is an approved preservative listed in Annex V of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Only substances on this positive list may be used as cosmetic preservatives in the EU.

Each preservative entry specifies maximum permitted concentrations and applicable product scope. Concentrations must not exceed the listed maximum. Some preservatives require warning statements on the product label.

This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Use concentration must not exceed: 1.0%
  • Verify the preservative is effective at the permitted concentration for your matrix.
  • This substance is a regulated fragrance allergen. Declare it on the label by INCI name above 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. BENZYL ALCOHOL is listed in Annex V of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 as a permitted preservative. It may be used in cosmetics up to the maximum concentration specified above, within the permitted product scope.

CAS 100-51-6 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to BENZYL ALCOHOL by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

Yes. BENZYL ALCOHOL is on the EU list of regulated fragrance allergens. It must be declared on the cosmetic product label by its INCI name when present above 0.001% in leave-on products or above 0.01% in rinse-off products, as required by EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.

The maximum concentration of 1.0% applies to the concentration of the substance in the ready-to-use cosmetic product. When the substance is supplied as part of a blend or mixture, the calculation must account for the contribution of all sources in the formulation. The combined concentration must not exceed the stated limit.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex V record BENZYL ALCOHOL

This page summarizes one Annex V record for BENZYL ALCOHOL from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex V conditions for BENZYL ALCOHOL, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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