Benzyl alcohol

Harm score: 3 (Harmless chemicals)

Benzyl alcohol, otherwise known as Benzyl acetate, Methyl Phenylacetate or Methyl alpha-Toluate, is an organic compound corresponding to the formula C7H8O. It is a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant odor that is found in a wide variety of essential oils, including jasmine, ylang ylang, and some citrus fruits. Pure benzyl alcohol is soapy sweet, has a slightly floral scent and is one of the most common aromatic alcohols used in perfumery and cosmetics.

In the cosmetic industry, benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative, fragrance, solvent and in its form as benzyl benzoate, it also serves as an active ingredient in repellents. In the food industry it is approved for use as a food flavouring. It is also found in a number of industrial products, including paints, adhesives and inks, among others. The alcohol is also used extensively in medicine, for example as a topical anaesthetic or antimicrobial agent. In industry, it is also added to many products such as paints, plasters and furniture varnishes. Due to its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeasts, it is also used as a preservative.