Ready for another synthetic, potentially harsh preservative? Benzyl alcohol is actually a natural ingredient. Many plants, fruits, and teas have it as a component, as do essential oils like jasmine, hyacinth, and ylang-ylang.
Unfortunately, in most personal care products, you’re not going to find the natural version. Instead, manufacturers make the synthetic version in the laboratory by mixing benzyl chloride with sodium hydroxide. It’s cheaper that way, but not as wholesome, as benzyl chloride is very irritating to the skin. It can also be particularly dangerous to very young children.
Benzyl alcohol was linked to the deaths of
16 premature infants in the early 1980s.
What is Benzyl Alcohol?
Benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid that has a mild, pleasant aromatic scent. It’s also called an “aromatic alcohol,” and is used as a preservative, as a fragrance ingredient, as the active ingredient in head lice treatment, and as a solvent, which simply means that it’s used to dissolve other ingredients to make a smooth formula or solution.
Benzyl alcohol also works as an anesthetic, so it is sometimes added to formulas that relieve itching, especially eye products. Most of the time, you’ll find this ingredient in bath products, soaps and detergents, eye makeup, blushes, cleansing products, shaving products, makeup, and blush, as well as in hair, nail, and other skin care products.
Is It Safe?
The FDA has approved benzyl alcohol for use as a synthetic flavoring agent for direct addition to food, as well as an anesthetic in oral healthcare and topical analgesic drug products. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has concluded that its safe for use in cosmetic products, at concentrations of up to 5 percent, and up to 10 percent in hair dyes. The CIR didn’t take into consideration, however, the duration of use or the frequency of use when concluding that these levels were safe.
In the European Union, benzyl alcohol is allowed as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products at a maximum concentration of one percent. If it’s used as a fragrance ingredient, the manufacturer is required to list it on the label when it’s used at concentrations greater than 0.001 percent in leave-on products, and greater than 0.01 percent in rinse-off products.
Why would the EU care about labeling this ingredient? Because some studies have indicated that it can be a skin sensitizer, meaning that it can cause allergic reactions.
Increases Risks of Contact Allergies
Like many synthetic preservatives, benzyl alcohol can affect the immune system, gradually causing your skin to react. A 1998 study, for example, found that these reactions were possible, with researchers noting that the ingredient “can instigate immune system response that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin.”
The Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) on benzyl alcohol notes that it is a skin irritant, potentially causing redness and pain, as well as an eye irritant. Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause allergic contact dermatitis. It also warns that it may be toxic to the liver and central nervous system.
Another concern with benzyl alcohol is that like some other preservatives, it can break down to create aldehydes when combined with other chemicals, and one of those aldehydes can be formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. Again, the exposure levels are typically small, but still, this is something that you may not be entirely comfortable with.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) classifies the ingredient as a “6,” or “moderate hazard,” so this isn’t one of the horrible ones, but for those with sensitive or reactive skin, it’s definitely one to avoid.
Dangerous for Young Children
The ingredient can be particularly dangerous for very young children. In 1982, the New York Times reported that the deaths of 16 low-weight, premature babies at two medical centers had been related to the benzyl alcohol used as a preservative in their IV fluids. The FDA urged hospitals and pediatricians to stop using the preservative, because two studies had linked the chemical to these deaths.
Benzyl alcohol had been used for years before that to flush out intravenous or arterial catheters after blood samples were drawn, so those same catheters could then be used in feeding or medicating a patient. It was also used as a simple preservative in some intravenous medications. But researchers found that the alcohol’s toxic effects were enhanced in very small infants with tiny organs. Symptoms included respiratory failure, convulsions, hypotension, and paralysis.
It is now recommended that benzyl alcohol not be used for any infant products. Most do not carry it anymore, but be sure to check your ingredient lists on your baby products, including your lotions, soaps, shampoos, wipes, etc.
Safer, More Nourishing Choices
You can easily avoid this preservative by passing by any products that list it on the label. Be careful, as well, with products that simply say “fragrance” on the ingredient list, as that means the product could contain benzyl alcohol, but they don’t have to tell you because fragrances are protected as proprietary formulas.
I prefer to use natural preservatives that aren’t linked to such health problems, like Aspen bark and jasmine. You can also take a look at our vegan skin care products that are totally safe.
What do you think of benzyl alcohol? Have you had any negative experiences with it? Please share your story.
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Sources
Adam Clymer, “Benzyl Alcohol Linked to Deaths of 16 Infants,” New York Times, June 1, 1982, http://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/01/science/benzyl-alcohol-linked-to-deaths-of-16-infants.html.
Does this mean that the naturally occurring benzyl alcohol that’s found in quality essential oils like ylang ylang and jasmine is safe and non-reactive/ non-irrating to the skin? Would appreciate your advice on this? Thanks..
No.
The cells in your body detect absence and presence. In examples such as Gabba, not even concentration is a consideration.
Essential oils are not benign.
VOC’s are VOC’s
Yes it is in Child’s Farm which is not g
I have stopped using commercial products on my lips. I have been using regular extra virgin olive oil and my lips no longer get dry. I apply it morning and night after washing my face and teeth. I no longer have to worry about ingesting harmful ingredients.
I’ve been using “Burt’s Bees Lip Balm,” (chapstick), as my lips are constantly chapped. (And yes, I need to drink more water.) I stopped using all other brands of chapstick, as they are petroleum-based. Burt’s Bees is beeswax-based. However, after reviewing product ingredients, one of the last 3 ingredients listed is Benzyl Alcohol.
Are “Burt’s Bees Lip Balm(s)” perpetuating my chapped lip? If so, what other product can you recommend?
Hey, Lorrie! The chapstick you are currently using could definitely be drying you out a bit if it contains any chemical ingredients. We would recommend our Antioxidant Lip Balm 🙂 It is very moisturizing and soothing! You can find that on our site for purchase. Enjoy!
Thank you, very much, for your kind and prompt reply! I will definitely try your lip balm product.
Sincerely,
Lorrie
Of course! 🙂
Which “flavor” are you using? I don’t see benzyl alcohol listed at all? I am highly allergic to benzyl alcohol and Burts Bees regular (the one that just says peppermint and vit e) works great for me.
I used an over the counter product called Ivarest for a bad case of poison ivy on my neck, chin, face, arms and legs. I experienced an intense burning sensation on my skin for the four days I used it. It contains 10.5% benzyl alcohol and I didn’t know what that meant. Until now. My rash worsened and blistered. Now my neck and chin are deep purple and rough and scaly. The product is made by Blistex. I’m concerned about my skin being damaged from this. There were no warnings about allergic reactions. I thought the pain and burning were from the poison ivy. Thankfully I stopped using Ivarest and immediately started to feel better. I hope my skin will now be able to heal
Lauren, I had a quarter sized patch of poison ivy come up on my forearm Tuesday morning. I applied Ivarest and by the end of the day, my left arm 3 inches below the patch to 4 inches above the patch wass a right red itchy welt. Ivarest is the only thing that was different from my every day routine so I’m thinking it has to be that!
Benzyl alcohol is no more wholesome if it comes from a natural source or whether it is made synthetically. There are many synthetic products that are added as preservatives at levels where they stimulate an allergic reaction of some sort and these should, of course, be avoided. However it is unwise to assume that it is because they are synthetic and therefore bad. There are many products made with natural ingredients that promote severe allergic reactions (nuts) leading to deaths in many cases however no-one is calling them to be banned.
Why would they continue to use these in products that people are putting on there face. That’s very wrong, that people aren’t notified what they are putting on there face until they really look at the ingredients and pah attention for that kind of stuff.
I’ve recently found I have high sensitivity to products containing benzyl alcohol but sometimes it is listed as benzyl peroxide or benzo-(insert random suffix here). Are they all the same thing?
Benzyl alcohol is used in vitamin k shit too
I have very severe eczema. I am allergic to glue, pine products, benzyl alcohol and other products. I wonder if someone could recommend a shampoo and conditioner which does not have these ingredients in them.
Hi,
I have recently been diagnosed with an allergy to Benzyl Alcohol and have found two companies that supply products that do not contain benzyl alcohol. These are:
MooGoo in the UK
Yorba Organics in SA and USA
Due to the allergic reaction I have, I am researching the natural occurance of Benzyl alcohol in fruits such as oranges, apples, grapes and cocoa. If anyone has / feels they are also having reactions to food stuffs, could you let me know so I can add it to my ever growing list?
Many thanks,
Dee
Hey Ann,
Hope you’re well
Thanks for website
“The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has concluded that its safe for use in cosmetic products, at concentrations of up to 5 percent, and up to 10 percent in hair dyes. The CIR didn’t take into consideration, however, the duration of use or the frequency of use when concluding that these levels were safe.”
“Additionally, Benzyl Alcohol was considered safe up to 10% for use in hair dyes. The limited body exposure, the duration of use, and the frequency of use WERE considered in concluding that the nonimmunologic reactions would not be a concern.” – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11766131
Is National Center for Biotechnology Information in your source list for the future?
Hope this is useful and to hear back
Regards
can a alcoholic use a nasal spray with benzyl alcohol in it.
Patch test indicated allergic to benzyl alcohol,Take opthalmic solution (eye drops) which contain benzalkonium chloride 0.005% and another with 0,02%.. Question: Would benzyl alcohol be a componet and of concern?
Hi Robert,
We’re not sure if benzyl alcohol is a component of benzalkonium chloride – it sounds like these two different compounds. We would suggest chatting with your doctor to see if he or she can help you find eye drops that don’t contain chemical compounds.
It makes my hair fall out for 6 months. Wow after reading some of the other reactions I guess some people would consider this a mild reaction. After further reading it sounds like it is in everything!!! My hair is currently falling out and now I am wondering if I ingested it or put in on me. I am so sick of reading labels so it looks like I will go back to making my own shampoo.
I have also recently had hospital procedures post surgery which required multiple flushes of IV lines. Every time I could ‘taste’ the preservative, presumably benzyl alcohol, coming out of my lungs in less than 20 seconds after flushing. I found this very distressing. Why should I have this chemical injected directly into my bloodstream? Neither the salt water (saline) or the plastic of the syringe in these ‘one use’ flushers need to be preserved. It seems that the preserved flush solution was meant for ‘multi-use’ containers which were accessed multiple times to ensure no bacterial growth. I repeat, bacteria need more than water and NaCl to grow…even the Infusion Nurses Society have recommended (2011) that preservative free flushes be used, and that exposure to preservative flush be limited to no more than 30 mL for adults per day. When I was being treated, no one was counting the total volume of preserved flush that I received!
I just purchased a mouthwash, made in Italy. It contains benzyl alcohol and is the 11th of 15 ingredients. I have read that in Europe this is mandatory to list if the concentration is above .001 % in leave-in products.
I am rethinking using this product.
I would be very interested if anyone has any comments or experience on this.
Thanks so much.
I recently purchased an “environmentally-friendly” dish soap, neglecting to read the label, and was dismayed to discover it has SLS in it. This has caused me to take a closer look at ALL of the ingredients this company (Ecover) uses and they use several synthetic ones. Benzyl alcohol is one of them and they say “it is safe for people”. I’m doing my research and am not liking the way it’s going, this company seems to be using ingredients they deem safe when they’re really not. You have to be a detective nowadays!
Hey,
Hope you’re well
http://uk.ecover.com/en/washing-up/product/washing-up/lemon-aloe-vera – I don’t see sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) or benzyl alcohol listed in Ecover’s ingredients?
Care to elaborate?
Hope to hear back
Cheers
I have just discovered through patch testing that I am allergic to Benzyl alcohol, amerol L-101 (wool alcohols) and Chloroxylenol (PCMX). Some of the products I use have be tested as well. Three of my products tested positive for allergies. What is really frustrating for me is the failure of ALL companies when it come to posting the actual contents of their products. You must have a chemistry degree and be a detective. Unfortunately for some people, they may die as a result of a hidden allergen. I am having a terrible time finding non-allergen products.
I had an injection in my shoulder of kenalog 40 that had benzyl alcohol included as a preservative. I ended up in the hospital when I went into respitory arrest. I had had a couple of injections prior to this which left me with hives and the doctors were puzzeled. With further testing they found it was an allergic reaction to benzyl alcohol. I have to carry epic pens with me at all times in case someone does not listen to what I tell them. One day I had out-patient surgery and had told them about 4 times about my allergy. At the last minute, on a second check before they put me to sleep they realized the meds they were getting ready to put me to sleep with had benzyl alcohol in it.
I had a subdermal B12 shot 2.5 weeks ago and have been experiencing a moderate anaphylactic reaction since, complete with hives, itching and some respiratory effects. The B12 is cyanocobalamin which contains benzyl alcohil, the only known allergic in the solution. It’s a month long dosage…I’m 2.5 weeks in and after high dose steroids over a 10 day period (decreasing every 3 days) which suppressed the rxn but not entirely, the hives, have returned. Hoping that as the dosage is eliminated from my body after 1 month, the rxn ceases.
I was diagnosed as B12 deficient and I was to get 1 injection per week for 4 weeks then monthly after that. I received by 4th injection and the next day I was broke out in hives. The hives got worse over the course of 4 days. I had to take an oral antihistamine to clear it up. However, now I have unexplained rashes and bumps (almost boils) on my upper torso every since those injections.
Dear Sirs,
Eye drops for cataracts contains (at least some of them) benzyl alcohol. The active substance is N-Acetyl carnosine. What is your opinion? Is it safe to use these eye drops? Do you know if this benzyl alcohol is natural or synthetic?
Hans Mellqvist
Hans, the benzyl alcohol in your eye drops is probably there as a preservative, and is probably there in concentrations low enough not to cause you any problems. However, having said that, benzyl alcohol is known specifically to be a severe eye irritant, and at certain concentrations it can even cause necrosis (the death of eye tissue). It was probably not put in your eye drops to make your eyes feel better or to reduce redness, it was put there to prevent the growth of bacteria which could also potentially damage your eyes.
Benzyl alcohol is found in jasmine as well. My guess is it’s one of the compounds that contribute to jasmine’s preservation characteristic.
Searching the net for the least harmless preservatives (to use in my own natural cosmetic) I came across this thread – and I agree on this comment – benzyl alcohol is in fact partly responsible for the lovely scent of many essential oils – and while benzyl alcohol is a nature identical chemical and not directly derived form nature, it might be a better option, as using natural oils for preservation would make much higher concentrations necessary, and it would increase the risk for sensitization. Benzyl Alcohol actually seems to be among a few that has low toxicity and some preservative action as well. Allergies can always occur but – should everyone avoid nuts and oranges because a lot of individuals are allergic to these food? Unpreserved cosmetics is without doubt far more dangerous than cosmetics with low percentages of questionable chemicals, and spreading myths that scares people from using protection without real knowledge can be lethal
I recently had a procedure done through an IV needle where they took multiple samples of blood at different time intervals. Between samples they flush the line with preserved saline. When they flushed the line with it I had a funny taste in my mouth(tasted like fuel of some sort) then I felt I was going to throw up followed by sweating and tingling of my hands and feet. I was definitley having some kind of reaction. For the next flush they used saline with no preservative, it did not cause a reaction. My arm with the IV in it tingled for about 45 minutes. Not a good experience. From now on I will always ask if there is a preservative in it.
Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that it is an ingredient in the vitamin K shot given to all newborns.
I read an article about Benzyl Alcohol referring to it as a cytotoxic preservative, along with propylparaben and methylparaben and phenoxyethanol. There were studies carried out showing high levels of apoptosis and necrosis. This is very worrying for me as I am in remission for a blood cancer. The problem is, I am struggling to find any face cream or body cream that doesn’t use an ingredient that isn’t a skin irritant or has some kind of health concern. The face cream I’m using now has Benzyl Alcohol but apart from that all the other ingredients are safe. I want to avoid this ingredient completely so which brands would you recommend?? Suggestions anyone??
For moisturising you can just use organic virgin coconut oil, or olive oil whichever you prefer and scent with essential oils. Shea and cocoa butter can be bought pure as well and mixed with oils there are lots of recipes online if you have time to do a bit of reading. Combining the oil with a bit of sugar makes a scrub identical to the ones that sell for $30/lb minus the preservatives. Once you buy 4 or 5 ingredients you can pretty much make everything from your hair care to skin care and be guaranteed there’ll be nothing funny in it.
Alice – have you tried Tinderbox? They are an Australian brand which do not use any nasties. Might be a good option? Their website is http://www.cheekyherbs.com/ but I don’t know if they ship everywhere. The only thing to think about that they use is xanthum gum and benzoin gum tincture in their skin care – while there are no side effects listed if you have any food allergies it might pay to try a sample? Xanthum gum is grown in soy/wheat/corn so could have trace amounts of that left in it which could cause some issues.
Hi Alice,
When searching for ‘safe’ new products, I tried some items from a company called ‘Handmade Naturals’…notably the unscented versions they do of many products. I react to particular ingredients present in certain essential oils – however I now tend to avoid all essential oils as much as possible, having read up about Linalool, Citral, Limonene, etc ….on EWG Skindeep’s website.
The products I bought from Handmade Naturals had safer, and fewer, ingredients. I found that some were effective, but others not so (for me) …but I didn’t react badly to any of their products 😀 .
I have since found a company called ‘Alva’ Natural Skin Care – the Sensitive range is fab. really gentle and effective products and excellent customer service regarding ingredient queries / allergies.
good luck finding products you can use, it can be really difficult. I’m still searching for certain skin/bodycare items. I react to things in addition to those mentioned above…don’t know about benzyl alcohol yet.
I recently had the 23andme genetics test done, for health reasons, to look for clues as to why I react to several chemicals – or indeed find out any additional ones to avoid (the results show ones mutated genes, which may make one more prone to reacting to certain chemicals. after receiving my results I used the genetic genie website to produce a report (which my healthcare practitioner is now analysing for me). i don’t yet know if it will flag up any further chemicals for me to avoid. Just mentioning it in case anyone is interested in the process, for their own health 🙂
Try to use oils as jojoba or calendula oils and sheabutter with non toxic preservatives. (Even better if ecological.
I have MCS and use to buy all these products online http://www.purenature.es
This German company and its products have been thought for people with allergies and MCS, especially. And for everyone who wants to keep healthy.
Regards
Susan
You will also want to avoid Benzalkonium Chloride. It tools decades to figure my hypersensitivity issues. I blister and become very asthmatic, and had to be hospitalized several times. These preservatives are found in most all topical and inhaled medicine. Cosmetics, soaps, shampoos… Burning oakwood
Most interesting since i have recently had a reaction to a bottle that has 3 different types of alcohol in its product of Moroccan oil repair purchased from Amazon.