Compound Monograph
Benzyl alcohol
Benzyl alcohol is a simple aromatic alcohol that occurs naturally in many essential oils and floral scents.
Sources · 4
Where Does It Come From?
Benzyl alcohol is a naturally occurring aromatic alcohol, found in Jasmine, Ylang-ylang, Tolu and Peru balsams and 1 other source. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Principal source Jasmine Jasminum officinale Herb monograph →
Photo coming soon
Source Ylang Ylang Cananga odorata Herb monograph → Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Benzyl alcohol is a colorless aromatic alcohol found naturally in the essential oils of jasmine, ylang-ylang and a number of balsams and fruits, and it contributes to their characteristic floral, slightly sweet aroma. It is widely used as a fragrance ingredient, solvent and preservative, and as a mild local anesthetic in some topical products.
Toxicity & Safety
Acute toxicity is low and benzyl alcohol is generally well tolerated in the small amounts found in foods and cosmetics. It can cause skin or mucous-membrane irritation in concentrated form, and it is a recognized contact allergen for a minority of people. Benzyl alcohol is not recommended as a preservative in products intended for newborn infants, in whom it has been linked to toxicity at high exposures.
