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Benzyl Alcohol

A preservative with a light scent.

What it does

Helps keep the product free of germs. It can also dissolve other ingredients or add a mild scent.

Good to know

The EU allows up to 1% as a preservative. It's also on the EU list of fragrance allergens, so Clovi flags it. Sensitive skin may react.

Often found in: Shampoos, Deodorants, Shower gels

Around the world

• United States: No label rule yet. A 2022 law told the FDA to require fragrance allergen labels, but that rule isn't out. Source
• EU and UK: Up to 1% as a preservative. As a scent, it must be named on the label above 0.001% leave-on, 0.01% rinse-off. Source
• Canada: Must be named on the label above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products (since April 2026). Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• SCCS opinion: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2012) (Independent)
• EFSA: Re-evaluation of benzyl alcohol (E 1519) as a food additive (2019) (Independent)
• CIR: Safety Assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid and its Salts, and Benzyl Benzoate (2017) (Industry-funded)
• RIFM safety assessment: benzyl alcohol, update (2025) (Industry-funded)