Benzyl alcohol

Another name - phenylcarbinol, phenylmethanol, hydroxymethylbenzene - an organic compound, the simplest aromatic alcohol. Benzyl alcohol prevents or slows down the growth of bacteria, and thus thus protects cosmetics and personal care products from spoilage. Benzyl alcohol is used in perfumery and as a solvent for varnishes. It is also used for disinfection of oil solutions of drugs for intramuscular injection in pharmacology. Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative in pharmaceutical formulations, including intravenous, in concentrations up to 2.0% v / v, as well as in cosmetic preparations (aqueous and non - aqueous) in concentrations up to 3% . At a concentration of 5% v/v or more used as a solubilizer, and at a concentration of 10% v/v can be used as disinfectant ( antiseptic ). In cosmetics, it is used as a preservative and antiseptic in creams, lotions, paints. for hair, dental elixirs, in perfumery - as a solvent and fragrant substance BS exhibits moderate antimicrobial activity against Gram - positive bacteria, fungi, yeasts and molds, maximum at a pH value of less than 5.0, at a pH value of more than 8.0, it decreases. Shows synergy with preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine bigluconate, parabens. In the food industry, it is used as a component of food essences.
Registered as food additive E1519. Chemical Formula - C6H5CH2OH.