A guide to benzyl alcohol, its use as a preservative and solvent, available grades, and handling, from a US-based distributor.
Benzyl alcohol (CAS 100-51-6) is a clear, mildly aromatic liquid used as a broad-spectrum preservative in cosmetics and personal care, a bacteriostatic preservative and solvent in pharmaceuticals, and a slow-evaporating solvent in coatings, inks, and epoxy systems. Supplied in NF and technical grades. Stratus Chemical provides COA and SDS with shipments.
Benzyl alcohol (CAS 100-51-6) is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild aromatic odor. It is only slightly soluble in water but mixes readily with alcohols and most organic solvents, which makes it a useful bridging solvent in formulations that combine water- and oil-soluble ingredients.
Benzyl alcohol is valued in personal care because it provides antimicrobial protection while being accepted in clean-label and natural-positioned products. It performs best in the mildly acidic pH range typical of skin-care formulations, and is frequently combined with complementary preservatives to broaden the spectrum of protection. Use levels are governed by regional cosmetic regulations, so confirm the permitted concentration for your market.
Benzyl alcohol is supplied in NF (pharmacopeia) grade for personal care and pharmaceutical applications, and in technical grade for coatings, inks, and industrial use. Specify the grade your application and regulatory requirements demand. COA and SDS are provided with shipments.
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from oxidizing agents, and protect from prolonged exposure to air and light. Use appropriate PPE and refer to the SDS before handling.
Benzyl alcohol is used as a broad-spectrum preservative and solvent in cosmetics and personal care, as a bacteriostatic preservative and solvent in pharmaceuticals, as a slow-evaporating solvent and epoxy diluent in coatings and inks, and as a fixative in fragrances.
Benzyl alcohol is widely used as a cosmetic preservative because it provides antimicrobial protection and is accepted in paraben-free and natural-positioned formulations. It works best in mildly acidic formulations and is often combined with complementary preservatives. Permitted use levels vary by region.
NF grade benzyl alcohol meets the National Formulary monograph and is the grade specified for pharmaceutical and personal care applications. Technical grade is used for coatings, inks, and industrial applications.
The CAS number for benzyl alcohol is 100-51-6.
Benzyl alcohol is only slightly soluble in water but is miscible with alcohols and most organic solvents, which makes it useful as a bridging solvent between water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients.
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from oxidizing agents, protected from prolonged air and light exposure. Refer to the SDS before handling.
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