Benzyl alcohol
⚠ EU RestrictedAlso known as: KEM DHA
Identification
CAS Number 100-51-6
EINECS / EC 202-859-9
CosIng Ref 32153
Chemical Name phenylmethanol
IUPAC Name —
Formula C7H8O
Mol. Weight 108.14 g/mol
InChIKey WVDDGKGOMKODPV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Function & Classification
Primary Function Antimicrobial
Secondary Functions Solvent
Origin Synthetic
Category Preservatives
Manufacturer Akema Fine Chemicals S.r.l.
EU Regulatory Status
Max Leave-on 1%
Max Rinse-off 1%
Restrictions 1.0% as preservative (higher % permitted as fragrance ingredient)
Conditions of Use Max 1.0% as preservative. Higher concentrations may be used as fragrance ingredient (then listed as fragrance allergen if >0.001% leave-on / >0.01% rinse-off).
Safety Profile
3 / 10
EU Fragrance Allergen One of 26 EU-mandated fragrance allergens — must be labeled separately per EU Cosmetics Regulation.
Comedogenic Rating: 1/5
Low risk — should be fine for most skin types
Skin Type Compatibility
Acne-Prone ✓ Safe
Fungal Acne Safe ✓ Safe
Toxicology Profile
NOAEL 200 mg/kg bw/day (oral, rat, 90-day) CIR 2017 / ECHA REACH
Sensitization Non-sensitizer
Genotoxicity Non-genotoxic
Phototoxicity Non-phototoxic
Dermal Absorption 12%
LD₅₀ Oral 1230 mg/kg (rat)
LD₅₀ Dermal >2000 mg/kg (rabbit)
Skin Irritation (Draize) 0.8 / 4.0
Eye Irritation (Draize) 2.2 / 4.0 ⚠
Formulation Guidelines
pH Stability 3 – ?
Solubility 10 g/l (20 °C)
Benefits Harmful if swallowed or if inhaled; Causes serious eye irritation
Suppliers & Documents
Akema Fine Chemicals S.r.l. 🇮🇹 Italy
Documents