Benzyl Alcohol
Keeps the formula fresh.
What it is
An alcohol found naturally in jasmine, ylang-ylang and some fruits, usually made in a lab for cosmetics. EU rules require it to be named on the label when present above set levels.
A preservative and solvent that helps keep the product free from microbial growth and can also add scent.
What it does in a formula
Why some people watch for it
Some people prefer unscented products, and people with sensitive skin often look for fragrance because it is one of the ingredient types most often linked to skin reactions.
The EU singles out these substances because some people are allergic to them. People who know they react to one can use this list to check a label.
What official sources say
As a pure substance it may cause an allergic skin reaction (EU harmonised classification). How much a product contains matters.
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), consolidated text, Annex VI Part 3 Table 3 (harmonised classifications), retrieved 2026-10-09As a pure substance it is harmful by its classification (acute or organ toxicity) (EU harmonised classification). How much a product contains matters.
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), consolidated text, Annex VI Part 3 Table 3 (harmonised classifications), retrieved 2026-10-09Allowed as a preservative in EU cosmetics up to 1.0% (Annex V).
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex V: list of preservatives allowed in cosmetic products (CosIng), retrieved 2026-10-09As a pure substance it can irritate or damage skin or eyes (EU harmonised classification). How much a product contains matters.
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), consolidated text, Annex VI Part 3 Table 3 (harmonised classifications), retrieved 2026-10-09A fragrance allergen: EU labels must name it above 0.001 % in leave-on and 0.01 % in rinse-off products.
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III: list of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down (CosIng), retrieved 2026-10-09