BENZYL ALCOHOL is graded C** (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING, FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-ALLERGEN-.
BENZYL ALCOHOL
Safety grade: C**
This preservative is permitted in EU cosmetics up to a maximum concentration under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. To be sold legally in the EU or UK, a product must stay within this limit.
This ingredient works as a preservative to keep products fresh and prevent bacterial growth, while also adding fragrance, helping dissolve other ingredients, and adjusting how thick or thin the product feels.
Graded using: COSING, FDA.
- EU COSING — Restricted
- EU COSING — Restricted use
Last verified: June 9, 2026
Safer alternatives to BENZYL ALCOHOL
- PROPYLENE GLYCOL — Grade A**. Humectant and solvent that can dissolve ingredients and control viscosity.
- PHENOXYETHANOL — Grade B**. Preservative that prevents bacterial growth and keeps products fresh.
Other Fragrance Allergen ingredients
- LIMONENE — Grade C
- LINALOOL — Grade C**
- CITRONELLOL — Grade C
- HEXYL CINNAMAL — Grade C
- GERANIOL — Grade C
- COUMARIN — Grade C**
Other Viscosity Controlling ingredients
- GLYCERIN — Grade B
- SODIUM CHLORIDE — Grade A
- COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE — Grade A
- XANTHAN GUM — Grade A
- CETEARYL ALCOHOL — Grade A
- DISODIUM EDTA — Grade C
- CARBOMER — Grade A