Synthetic
BENZYL ALCOHOL
PreservativeSolventViscosity ControllingFragrance
[EU CosIng Official Definition] Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol that conforms to the formula:
Executive Regulatory & Safety Fact BoxAEO / GEO CITATION ANCHOR
What is BENZYL ALCOHOL (CAS 100-51-6) in cosmetics and what are its global regulatory limits?
BENZYL ALCOHOL (CAS No. 100-51-6) is a verified cosmetic ingredient primarily functioning as Preservative, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling in topical formulations. Regulated under KR MFDS (Restricted) and EU 1223/2009 CosIng (Restricted) statutory frameworks, it is typically formulated at 0.3–1% within an optimal stability window of pH 4–8.
7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names Matrix
Primary Statutory Gazette Only · Zero Machine Translation| Jurisdiction Track | Official Statutory Label Name | One-Click Copy |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Korea (MFDS Standard Name) | BENZYL ALCOHOL (KR MFDS Registered) | |
| 2. Korea Former Nomenclature History | — | — |
| 3. European Union (EU CosIng Glossary) | BENZYL ALCOHOL | |
| 4. United States (US PCPC / MoCRA INCI) | BENZYL ALCOHOL | |
| 5. US FDA OTC Monograph Active Name | — (Cosmetic Inactive / Non-OTC) | — |
| 6. China (NMPA IECIC Standard Name) | 苯甲醇 | |
| 7. Japan (JCIA Standard / MHLW Quasi-Drug) | BENZYL ALCOHOL (Standard INCI Reference) |
Layer 1 — Statutory Regulatory Limits Across 6 Regions
| Region | Status | Max Limit | Conditions & Statutory Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korea (MFDS) | Restricted | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| Europe (EU) | Restricted | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| United States (FDA) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| China (NMPA) | Restricted | GMP | IECIC Entry #1279 |
| Japan (MHLW) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| ASEAN (ACD) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
Layer 2 — Toxicological & Historical Safe Use Concentrations (CIR / SCCS / CN IECIC / IFRA)
“EU SCCS Safe Opinion Limit” is the toxicological safe threshold (MoS≥100), whereas “US CIR Reported Max Use” and “CN IECIC Historical Max Use” represent historical maximum concentrations in commercial products.
| Assessment Basis | Application Scope | Concentration Range | Verdict & Dossier Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| US CIR Reported Max Use | eye | 0.000008~0.8% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | ingestion | 0.000006~0.9% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | spray | 0.0002~3% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | dermal | 0.000008~3% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | deodorant | 0.03~0.5% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | hair | 0.0002~3% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | hair_dye | 0.00007~10% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | nail | 0.00002~0.5% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | mucous | 0.000006~1% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | bath | 0.001~0.9% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | baby | 0.004~0.9% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | leave_on | 0.000008~3% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | rinse_off | 0.000006~10% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | total | 0.000006~10% | Safe (MoS≥100)119_draft_benzyl.pdf () |
| US CIR Reported Max Use | powder | 0.0001~0.3% | Safe (MoS≥100)120_final_ba.pdf () |
⚠️ Reference Only (Legal Disclaimer): The regulatory limits, ingredient names, and formulation ranges in this dictionary are provided for R&D reference only. Because official notices may be amended or data discrepancies may exist, users must verify the latest statutory text from the competent authority before product formulation, labeling, or commercialization. UNIZ LAB assumes no legal liability for the use of this information.
Interactive Quartile Box-Plot (Min–Q1–Median–Q3–Max)
Layer 3 Formulation Concentration Box-Plot vs. Statutory Limit
Emulsion / Creamn=21
Min 0.3% · Q1 0.7% · Median 0.7% · Q3 0.7% · Max 1%
Emulsion / Cream — Emulsion cream & lotion structural / conditioning agent
Verified Source: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=21, EVONIK 14 · SEPPIC 7) (cir_safety) · EVONIK 14 · SEPPIC 7
Typical Median: 0.7%
Layer 3 — Formulation Usage Guide (Quartiles n≥5) & Physicochemical Compatibility
| Formulation Group | Min – Q1 – Median – Q3 – Max (%) | Role & Mechanism | Source ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group B — O/W & W/O Emulsion / Lotion / Cream | 0.3% · 0.7% · 0.7% · 0.7% · 1% | Emulsion cream & lotion structural / conditioning agent | Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=21, EVONIK 14 · SEPPIC 7) |
Cutaneous Permeation Science (500 Dalton Rule)MW: Macro/Complex · LogP: N/A
Stratum Corneum Penetration Depth & Bio-Spicule Transdermal Delivery
Molecular Weight & LogP Permeation Diagnosis
Low Molecular Weight (320 Da ≤ 500 Da) — Passive Permeation Feasible
Under passive topical application, molecules diffuse tortuously through intercellular lipids. Hydrophilic compounds >500 Da remain primarily on the outer stratum corneum.
Estimated Target Depth
40–90 µm
Optimal Delivery System
Polyol Enhancer / Serum
Colloid Interface, pH Spectrum & Thermal Stability
Water or glycol phase soluble/dispersiblepH Stability Window (0–14), Thermal Limit & HLB Colloidal Phase Behavior
Optimal Formulation pH Stability Window (0–14)pH 4.0 – 8.0
Outside pH 4–8, risk of hydrolysis, viscosity loss, or ionic dissociation increases.
Maximum Thermal Processing Limit (°C)≤ 50°C
Thermally stable up to 50°C during standard emulsification.
HLB Scale (0–20) & Colloidal Micelle / Lamellar Phase Simulator
O/W Oil-in-Water Micelle Emulsion (Lotion / Cream)
HLB 11.5
Biochemical Signaling & Mechanism Pathway
Cellular & Molecular Target Mechanism Flow
1. Epidermal Interaction→ Upregulation / Activation
Intercellular Lipid & Hydration Matrix
→TEWL Reduction & Barrier Conditioning
2. Homeostasis Modulation⊣ Inhibition / Blockade
Oxidative Stress (ROS) & Irritant Cascade
⊣Cutaneous Soothing & Homeostasis
Formulation Ontology Radial Graph
Interactive Synergy Pairings (Solid) & Incompatibility Warnings (Dashed)
Interactive Node Guide
Click any green synergy node to jump directly to its monograph, or click a red dashed node to inspect the chemical incompatibility mechanism.
Nominative Trade Name References (Trademark Act Art. 90(1)(2))
BENZYL ALCOHOL
Trade names are provided strictly for descriptive identification of polymer/emulsifier grades under Article 90(1)(2) of the Trademark Act. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Academic & Toxicological Synthesis
Tier 1 SynthesisSynthesized strictly from peer-reviewed PubMed abstracts and official toxicological dossiers linked to this ingredient.
■ [1. Chemical Identity & International Labeling Nomenclature]
- INCI Name: BENZYL ALCOHOL | CAS No.: 100-51-6 | EC No.: 202-859-9
- Origin: SYNTHETIC | Functions: , , ,
- Physicochemical Profile: Formula | MW /(Polymer/Complex) | / | Ionic Nature: non-ionic | CosIng/MFDS
- Official Regional Label Names: US [BENZYL ALCOHOL] · EU [BENZYL ALCOHOL] · CN [苯甲醇] · JP [-] · JP Quasi-Drug [-]
■ [2. Dermatological Mechanism of Action & Functional Role]
- Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol that conforms to the formula: Classified under origin 'synthetic', it acts within the cosmetic vehicle or stratum corneum to deliver , , , performance and structural formulation stability.
■ [3. Global 6-Jurisdiction Regulatory Status & Safety Limits (Layer 1 & Layer 2)]
- Regional Summary: KR: RESTRICTED | EU: RESTRICTED | US: NONE | CN: RESTRICTED | JP: NONE | ASEAN: NONE (CN IECIC (2025) Entry No. 1279 (苯甲醇))
- [KR / LABEL / allergen_label]:
- [CN / COMPOSITION / limited] (Max 1%):
- [EU / COMPOSITION / noted]:
- Official Safety & Historical Use Concentration (Layer 2): cir (reported_use, eye): 8e-06~0.8% / cir (reported_use, ingestion): 6e-06~0.9% / cir (reported_use, spray): 0.0002~3%
■ [4. Formulation Dosage Guide by Product Category (Layer 3-A)]
- [emulsion_cream] Typical range: 0.3 ~ 1.0% (Median 0.7%, Ref: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=21, EVONIK 14 · SEPPIC 7)) — Emulsion cream & lotion structural / conditioning agent
■ [5. Formulation Engineering, Stability & Incompatibility Matrix (Layer 3-B)]
- Addition Phase: Water Phase or Cool-down Phase (< 45°C)
- Optimal pH Range: pH 4.0 ~ 8.0 | Max Process Temp: Max 50°C | Electrolyte Tolerance: MEDIUM
- Incompatibility / Caution: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads
- Synergy Pairings: GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL | Reference Trade Names: BENZYL ALCOHOL
■ [6. Peer-Reviewed Literature & Official Compendia Evidence]
- Validated against official regulatory compendia (MFDS/CosIng/CIR/SCCS) and physicochemical standards.
Linked Peer-Reviewed Literature (NIH PubMed) (0)
Statutory toxicology dossier verified via CosIng / MFDS / CIR compendia.
Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Position 0)
- Q1. What are the official 7-track regulatory label names for BENZYL ALCOHOL?
- Standard label names are US PCPC INCI: 'BENZYL ALCOHOL', EU CosIng: 'BENZYL ALCOHOL', KR MFDS: 'BENZYL ALCOHOL (KR MFDS Registered)', CN NMPA IECIC: '苯甲醇', and JP JCIA: 'BENZYL ALCOHOL'.
- Q2. Is BENZYL ALCOHOL restricted or permitted in EU, US, KR, CN, and JP cosmetics?
- Regulatory status summary across 6 jurisdictions — KR: restricted, EU: restricted, US: none, CN: restricted, JP: none, ASEAN: none.
- Q3. What is the typical formulation concentration and optimal pH window for BENZYL ALCOHOL?
- In emulsion_cream systems, BENZYL ALCOHOL is typically formulated between 0.3% and 1% (median 0.7%), with an optimal stability window of pH 4–8.
- Q4. What are the known formulation incompatibilities and synergy pairings for BENZYL ALCOHOL?
- Recommended synergy pairings include GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL. Key incompatibilities to avoid: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads.