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Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl alcohol suppliers and sourcing guide

Benzyl alcohol is the simplest aromatic alcohol, a clear, slightly oily liquid with a faint, mild odor. It occurs in some essential oils and flowers, but commercial material is made synthetically, usually by hydrolysis of benzyl chloride or by hydrogenation of benzaldehyde, then distilled. Brands buy it as a liquid for use as a preservative and solvent in cosmetics and topical products, and as a flavoring ingredient or carrier solvent in flavors.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Phenylmethanol · Phenylcarbinol · alpha-Hydroxytoluene · CAS 100-51-6
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of benzyl alcohol

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Cosmetic grade

    High-purity liquid sold for personal care, often 99 percent or more, with low benzaldehyde and chlorinated impurities.

  • Pharmaceutical grade (USP/NF, Ph. Eur.)

    Material tested to the pharmacopeia monograph, used where a compendial grade is required, such as topical drug products.

  • Food and flavor grade (FCC)

    Grade meeting the Food Chemicals Codex, sold to flavor houses as a flavoring substance or carrier solvent.

  • Nature-identical and natural-source

    Most material is synthetic; a few suppliers offer benzyl alcohol obtained from natural sources at a higher price, with documentation of origin.

  • Preservative blends

    Benzyl alcohol premixed with other preservatives such as salicylic acid, sorbic acid or glyceryl caprylate, sold under trade names for cosmetics.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (GC)
Benzyl alcohol content by gas chromatography, usually 99 percent or more for cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades.
Benzaldehyde and related impurities
Benzaldehyde, which forms as benzyl alcohol oxidizes, plus chlorinated compounds from the benzyl chloride route, reported by GC.
Peroxide value
A check on oxidation in stored material, part of the USP/NF and Ph. Eur. monographs.
Water (Karl Fischer)
Water content, since benzyl alcohol is somewhat soluble in water and picks it up from air.
Identity, refractive index and density
IR identity plus refractive index, specific gravity and appearance as quick checks on each drum.
Residue on evaporation
Non-volatile residue, a check for contamination or degradation products.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store benzyl alcohol tightly closed in stainless steel, lined steel or suitable glass containers, away from light, heat and strong oxidizers. It slowly oxidizes to benzaldehyde in air, so nitrogen headspace and full containers help. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is retested for assay, benzaldehyde and peroxide value.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay, benzaldehyde content and grade (cosmetic, USP/NF or FCC) for each lot, since a grade swap can matter for drug or food uses. Rotate stock first-expiring first (FEFO) and keep part-used drums blanketed and sealed.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Benzyl alcohol suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking benzyl alcohol suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of benzyl alcohol can brands buy?

Common forms include cosmetic grade, pharmaceutical grade (USP/NF, Ph. Eur.), food and flavor grade (FCC), nature-identical and natural-source and preservative blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for benzyl alcohol include?

Expect assay (GC), benzaldehyde and related impurities, peroxide value, water (Karl Fischer), identity, refractive index and density and residue on evaporation, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should benzyl alcohol be stored?

Store benzyl alcohol tightly closed in stainless steel, lined steel or suitable glass containers, away from light, heat and strong oxidizers. It slowly oxidizes to benzaldehyde in air, so nitrogen headspace and full containers help. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is retested for assay, benzaldehyde and peroxide value.

What is the regulatory status of benzyl alcohol?

FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists benzyl alcohol with the technical effects "flavoring agent or adjuvant" and "solvent or vehicle", and cites 21 CFR 172.515 among other regulations. 21 CFR 172.515 lists benzyl alcohol among the synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that may be used in food. Health Canada's list of permitted carrier and extraction solvents permits benzyl alcohol as a carrier solvent in flavors. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists preservative antimicrobial among benzyl alcohol's non-medicinal purposes, for topical use up to 10% in rinse-off and 3% in leave-on products.

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