
THE STORY OF FC BENZYL ALCOHOL
FC Benzyl Alcohol: The Dual-Function Preservative & Solvent
FC Benzyl Alcohol is a multi-functional cosmetic ingredient that acts as apreservative, solvent, and fragrance component. Naturally occurring in essential oils like jasmine and ylang-ylang, it is widely used in creams, serums, lotions, haircare, and pharmaceutical topical products
Naturally Present in Essential Oils, Refined for Industry Use
Although FC Benzyl Alcohol occurs naturally in plant oils, commercial supply is produced through controlled synthesis and purified to achievepharma & cosmetic-grade quality. TRCkem supplies high-assay benzyl alcohol with low impurity levels, suitable for leave-on and rinse-off formulations.
Preserve. Dissolve. Stabilize.
Roles & advantages in cosmetic formulations:
✅ Acts as a broad-spectrum preservative (often paired with potassium sorbate or salicylic acid)
✅ Works as a solvent for fragrances, actives & essential oils
✅ Enhances spreadability and reduces viscosity in emulsions
✅ Approved for natural and organic formulations (ECOCERT, COSMOS accepted)
✅ Mild aroma makes it suitable for skincare, baby care & haircare
Used in lotions, serums, cleansers, shampoos, sunscreens, and topical pharma creams.
Globally Approved, But Concentration-Controlled
Typical usage level:0.5–1.0%as preservative (up to 5% as solvent).
Maximum allowed in leave-on cosmetics:1% (EU/US).
Readily biodegradable and accepted in natural & clean-label formulas.
May cause irritation at high concentration — must be used within global cosmetic limits.
Fully listed inINCI, EU Annex V, FDA, and Japanese standardsas an approved cosmetic preservative.
Formulator’s Queries, We Answered
1. What is fc-Benzyl Alcohol?
fc-Benzyl Alcohol is a high-purity, food/cosmetic-grade aromatic alcohol widely used in the personal care and cosmetic industry. It functions as a preservative, solvent, and fragrance component in various formulations such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and serums.
2. What is the CAS Number and INCI Name of fc-Benzyl Alcohol?
CAS Number: 100-51-6
INCI Name: Benzyl Alcohol
3. What are the main applications of fc-Benzyl Alcohol in cosmetics and personal care?
fc-Benzyl Alcohol is used as:
A preservative to prevent microbial contamination
A solvent to help dissolve active ingredients and fragrances
A fragrance ingredient due to its mild, pleasant aroma
A viscosity-decreasing agent for better product texture and application
4. Is fc-Benzyl Alcohol safe to use in skincare and haircare products?
Yes, when used within recommended concentrations (typically up to 1.0%), fc-Benzyl Alcohol is considered safe for topical use. It is approved by major regulatory bodies such as the EU Cosmetic Regulation, FDA, and CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review).
5. Does fc-Benzyl Alcohol cause skin irritation or allergies?
While generally well-tolerated, some individuals with sensitive skin may experience mild irritation or allergic contact dermatitis. It is listed among the EU’s 26 potential fragrance allergens, which must be labeled when exceeding certain concentrations (0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products).
6. Is fc-Benzyl Alcohol derived from natural or synthetic sources?
It can be derived from natural sources (like jasmine or ylang-ylang oils), but most commercial grades—including fc (food/cosmetic grade)—are synthetically produced to ensure purity and consistency.
7. Is fc-Benzyl Alcohol considered vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes, fc-Benzyl Alcohol is:
Vegan – does not contain animal-derived ingredients
Cruelty-free – typically not tested on animals, depending on supplier compliance with cruelty-free certifications
8. Does fc-Benzyl Alcohol contain GMOs?
No, it is Non-GMO. When produced from verified feedstocks or synthetic processes, it contains no genetically modified materials.
9. How should fc-Benzyl Alcohol be stored?
Store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly sealed. Under proper storage, shelf life is typically 24–36 months.
10. What concentration of fc-Benzyl Alcohol is recommended in formulations?
The typical use level is 0.3% to 1.0%, depending on the formulation type and desired preservative efficacy.