What is benzyl alcohol? E1519 – Benzyl alcohol. You might also like

In the modern world, people are exposed to a large number of foreign substances from environmental and/or technical sources, and sources related to nutrition, lifestyle, constitutional characteristics and medical procedures. The use of additives in food production and processing is increasing in parallel with industrial development. They are necessary for preserving food, giving it taste, smell, appearance, the necessary structure and other qualities in the processes of production, packaging and preservation. However, additives, and primarily benzyl derivatives, demonstrate toxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic effects (Briggs, D.R., 1997. Food additives. In: Wahlgvist, M.L., (Ed.), Food and Nutrition. Allen&Unwin Pty Ltd., Australia) . Their increased consumption is associated with a variety of diseases: eczema, asthma, headaches, cancer, depression, migraines, behavioral disorders, sleep problems, allergic dermatitis, urticaria, diarrhea (especially in children) and hyperactivity (Esref Demir et al. Assessment of genotoxic effects of benzyl derivatives by the comet assay. Food and Chemical Toxicology 48 (2010) 1239–1242).

Benzyl derivatives - flavoring agents and preservatives - are widely used in foods and beverages, drugs, cosmetics and as a solvent in oils, varnishes, inks, resins and plastics. As of 1998, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, benzyl alcohol (BA) was included in 322 cosmetic products belonging to 43 cosmetic categories. But given their potential toxicity and mutagenicity, WHO has set the limits of permissible daily intake of benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, benzaldehyde and benzoic acid at 0-5 mg/kg (World Health Organization, 1997).

Medicines for the treatment of degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system Mucosat and Chondroguard (Sotex) contain a large amount of benzyl alcohol 1 mg per 100 mg of chondroitin sulfate sodium (CHS). The standard amount of administered CHF, if well tolerated, is 200 mg daily for a course of 30 injections, which corresponds to 60 mg of benzyl alcohol, and the course is repeated after six months (http://grls.rosminzdrav.ru/InstrImgMZ.aspx?idReg=1111..).

In addition, using cosmetics and consuming products containing benzyl alcohol, the concentration of the latter can reach or exceed the highest limit of normal and cause intoxication.

Single large doses of benzyl alcohol cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression and dizziness. Following acute exposure, neonates experience lethargy, seizures, intraventricular hemorrhage (from red blood cell fragmentation and hemolysis), and neurological complications (cerebral palsy, developmental delay). Benzyl alcohol is responsible for the development of “gasping syndrome” in children (sedation, respiratory failure, changes in motor functions, hypotension, renal failure) and their death. The observed metabolic acidosis is a consequence of the direct action of benzoic acid formed after the oxidation of benzyl alcohol in the liver, and/or secondary to the production of lactic acid through suppression of cellular metabolism. Thrombocytopenia appears later (Benzyl Alcohol. Swarupa G Kulkarni and Harihara M Mehendale. Encyclopedia of Toxicology. 2005). In large doses, benzyl alcohol and its metabolic product benzoic acid are carcinogens (Esref Demir et al. Assessment of genotoxic effects of benzyl derivatives by the comet assay. Food and Chemical Toxicology 48 (2010) 1239–1242).

A course of use of the drugs Mucosat and Chondroguard (Sotex) can lead to chronic intoxication of a person with neurotoxic manifestations, damage to the respiratory system in the form of acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, bleeding from the larynx, and edema and hemorrhages in the lungs (Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of benzyl alcohol. National Institutes of Health, 1989).

Summarizing the above, it should be noted that the use of Mucosat and Chondroguard (Sotex) preparations containing high course doses of benzyl alcohol can lead to toxicity and mutagenicity for humans. This is especially important in light of new data on the summation of these aggressive reactions (Esref Demir et al. Assessment of genotoxic effects of benzyl derivatives by the comet assay. Food and Chemical Toxicology 48 (2010) 1239–1242).

Benzyl alcohol(C 6 H 5 CH 2 OH) is the simplest aromatic alcohol.

It is a colorless liquid with a faint odor reminiscent of jasmine flowers.

It is found in a free state and in the form of esters in a number of essential oils: jasmine, hyacinth, clove oil, Peruvian balsam, in fruits and teas (it is already obvious that benzyl alcohol is of natural origin).

Of course, today no one will convert valuable and scarce essential oils and food products to produce benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol is obtained by saponification of benzyl chloride in the presence of alkali or by the action of alkali on a mixture of benzoaldehyde and formaldehyde.

However, according to Annex 5 to the COSMOS standard, benzyl alcohol, without reservations on the method of production, is classified as a substance allowed for use in cosmetics certified by ECOCERT and COSMOS.

In cosmetics, benzyl alcohol is used as a solvent, aromatic component, and preservative. Has antiseptic (disinfecting) properties.

It is used as a preservative for cosmetics in concentrations of up to 3 wt.% (in Japan it is allowed for use without restrictions, in EU countries the concentration of benzyl alcohol in cosmetics is limited to 1%.).

In concentrations up to 2 wt.% it is used to disinfect oil solutions of drugs for intramuscular administration.

In the food industry, it is registered as a food additive E1519; used in the production of liqueurs, flavored wines, flavored drinks and wine-based cocktails, as well as confectionery products, incl. chocolate and bakery products.

Benzyl alcohol is surrounded by many rumors and horror stories. Let's try to figure out some of them.

Horror story: benzyl alcohol is toxic.

Fact: look at the safety data sheet for this substance - acute toxicity after oral administration (semi-lethal dose, LD 50) - 1.23 g/Kg. For a person weighing 60 kg, this is equivalent to taking 74 g of this substance (1/3 cup). For comparison, with one dose of cosmetic cream (0.5 g) 0.005 grams of benzyl alcohol gets onto the skin. As they say: feel the difference.

Horror story: Benzyl alcohol is irritating/corrosive to skin.

Fact: look at the safety data sheet again - benzyl alcohol is not classified as a skin irritant. Also not classified as a respiratory irritant or skin allergen. But if it gets into the eyes, it actually causes eye irritation.

Horror story: Benzyl alcohol dries (degreases) the skin.

Fact: Benzyl alcohol is not included in any commercial degreaser. Gasoline, white spirit, acetone, benzene, xylene, and toluene are included, but benzyl alcohol is not. Of course, benzyl alcohol has some ability to degrease surfaces, if only because it dissolves fats and oils. But he clearly does not have outstanding abilities in this matter. So this statement is fake.

Horror story: benzyl alcohol causes cancer.

Fact: and look at the safety data sheet again - benzyl alcohol is not classified as a germ cell mutagen, carcinogen or reproductive toxin.

Horror story: benzyl alcohol is harmful to children.

Fact: It is true that due to their different metabolism, children, especially newborns, especially those in critical condition, cannot effectively utilize benzyl alcohol, which can lead to severe poisoning.

And now a big, well, just a very big remark to all of the above, without which everything written simply loses its meaning: everything said here, as well as what you can find on the Internet yourself, concerns concentrated benzyl alcohol, which workers deal with in the production of cosmetics. In the finished product, the concentration of benzyl alcohol is about 1%. Accordingly, the effect of benzyl alcohol on the body is weakened by at least 100 times.

Is it a lot or a little? Imagine that you are sick, you have been prescribed a course of antibiotics... and instead of drinking a whole tablet, you drink 1/100 of it? Question: How quickly will the medicine help you? How quickly will you heal? Oh, it won’t help at all...?! The same is true for benzyl alcohol and its ability to “harm.”

Unfortunately, it is the latter that, due to a lack of understanding of the essence of the issue, or deliberately, in order to earn a rating from horror stories, “experts” from the Internet “forget” to mention. But this is precisely the crux of the matter.

Sincerely

developer of Kleona products, candidate of chemical sciences Ivanov I.A.

Partial or complete copying of materials without a link to the Kleona LLC website is prohibited.

Benzyl alcohol is the simplest aromatic alcohol that belongs to the benzene group. In essential oils from hyacinth, jasmine and other flowers it can be found in a free state or in the form of esters.

In appearance, the compound has the appearance of a colorless liquid with a pleasant floral aroma. The alcohol has a burning taste and has an analgesic effect if it comes into contact with the mucous membranes. One of the properties of benzyl alcohol is stability in water, alkaline and acidic environments. The substance is not toxic, but it is not recommended for use in children's cosmetics. The properties of benzyl alcohol as an antiseptic make it possible to use it as a preservative.

It is possible to use natural raw materials as a source for producing alcohol. The substance can be extracted by hydrolysis or extraction, as well as using chemical reactions. Benzyl alcohol is produced on an industrial scale by oxidizing toluene and exposing benzyl chloride to an aqueous alkaline solution.

Benzyl alcohol: areas of application

In the food industry, benzyl alcohol is used:

in confectionery, bakery, chocolate;
as a flavoring agent for wines, liqueurs, wine-based cocktails, and drinks.

Benzyl alcohol finds its main use in cosmetics. It is an antiseptic and preservative, characterized by disinfecting properties. In cosmetics, alcohol is used as a preservative for dental elixirs and emulsions, and in perfumery as a fragrant substance. When diluted, the aroma of alcohol is similar to jasmine, and when pure, it is similar to bitter almonds. At a concentration of 10%, alcohol is used as an antiseptic, and at a concentration of 5-10% it is used as a solubilizer.

The substance is capable of dissolving essential resins of incense, myrrh, and tar. Benzyl alcohol finds its use in perfumery as a component that improves the transparency of the solution, the miscibility of fragrant molecules, and fixes the smell. In soap making, alcohol acts as an agent to remove air bubbles from the soap base poured into the mold.

Antimicrobial properties of benzyl alcohol:

antimicrobial activity is inhibited by polysorbates and parabens. This makes alcohol an important preservative for products containing polysorbates;
effective against gram-positive bacteria;
exhibits moderate activity against yeast, fungi, and molds.

Use of benzyl alcohol in cosmetics:

as an antiseptic in hair dyes, emulsions, dental elixirs;
as a preservative in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics;
as an aromatic substance in perfumery;
as a solvent for resin, tar, essential resins;
as an agent exhibiting anti-pediculosis properties.

In addition, alcohol is used in solutions that soak wet wipes. Due to the rapid evaporation of the substance, there is no sticky feeling or marks left on the skin. When applying cosmetics with benzyl alcohol, allergic reactions in the form of redness and rash are very rarely observed.

The effect of benzyl alcohol on the body

In some countries, such as Australia, European Union countries, United States of America, New Zealand, the additive is prohibited for use.

If ingested by the human body, alcohol is broken down into benzoic acid and subsequently excreted as hippuric acid. In general, benzyl alcohol is considered safe when taken within the recommended daily intake of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Types of alcohol in cosmetics

In chemistry, an "alcohol" is a complex molecule that has one or more hydroxyl groups - -OH tails attached. The properties of alcohol depend on the amount of these same -OH and on the main molecule to which they are attached.

There are 3 main types of alcohol that are most often used in cosmetics:

Let's take a closer look at each type and find out where the enemy is for the skin and where it is a friend.

Simple alcohols are mainly used as an antiseptic - to give the product antibacterial properties. They are obtained by fermenting sugar, starches and other carbohydrates. Such alcohols often resemble water in consistency.

Here are some examples of simple alcohols:

Methanol/Methanol
Ethanol(=ethyl alcohol)/Ethanol (=Ethyl Alcohol);
Isopropyl alcohol/Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol);
Denatured alcohol(=SD-alcohol or alcohol-denat)/Alcohol Denat

Manufacturers like to use this type of alcohol in skin care for several reasons:

They work as "solvents" in the formula, thereby alcohols help all the other ingredients, especially those that are not usually water-soluble, to mix well, so the final product is a homogeneous cream or liquid.
Contracting agents: Some products, such as toners and cleansers, contain alcohols to achieve a short-term effect of reducing pore size and skin tightness.
Improved absorption: Alcohols help the skin better absorb other ingredients, so manufacturers prefer to add them to moisturizers to facilitate the penetration of ingredients (the effect is achieved by breaking down the upper stratum corneum of the skin, which in turn makes it easier for products like retinol and vitamin C to penetrate - bad-bad- Badly).
Preservatives: Alcohols have antiseptic properties, so they are sometimes used as a preservative in cosmetic products.

In any case, this is all considered to be a very controversial practice for long-term use of such products. Why and what is wrong with simple alcohols?

Here's what simple alcohols do to your skin:

Dry and irritate. They strip away the skin's natural acid mantle, dehydrating cells and potentially increasing the chance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ethanol use has been associated with skin irritation or contact dermatitis.
They disrupt the barrier function. The skin has a natural barrier that helps lock moisture inside and protect against environmental stress and other damaging elements. Alcohol disrupts this barrier, leaving the skin more vulnerable to irritants, allergens, bacteria and viruses. In a 2003 study, researchers noted that this was true for doctors who used alcohol-based cleansers to disinfect their hands. They found that such antiseptics remove “barrier lipids” (healthy fats on the skin), thereby causing the skin to lose moisture.
Makes acne worse. Many anti-acne preparations contain alcohol due to its bactericidal and mattifying properties. However, these temporary improvements are not worth the long-term problems. A 2011 study, for example, found that alcohol-based acne medications don't actually improve the problem over time because they cause irritation and dryness, which causes oily skin to produce even more oil in response to the irritant, making acne worse. .

Below are some examples.

Ethanol (= ethyl alcohol)

Topically applied ethanol acts as a skin penetration enhancer and may promote transdermal absorption of xenobiotics (eg, carcinogenic contaminants in cosmetic formulations). This type of alcohol (low molecular weight alcohol) dissolves surface oil, thereby instantly drying the skin because it evaporates quickly.

Isopropyl alcohol

Denatured alcohol

Denatured alcohol should not be used alone on the skin, however, when combined with other ingredients and in small quantities, this ingredient is completely safe. In organic cosmetics it is often used as a conductor for delivering active ingredients to the skin.

It is difficult to estimate the exact alcohol content of a product because the percentage concentrations are never indicated on the packaging. However, it is possible to give a rough estimate. The ingredients in the formulation are listed in order from highest to lowest concentration. Most of the product usually consists of the first 6-10 ingredients.

But even if alcohol is included in the top ten, this does not mean that it will dry out the skin. It depends on what else is in the formula. There may be some emollients or fatty ingredients that counteract the drying effect. The best solution is to try the product on your skin. If there is an excess of hard alcohols, you will immediately feel the so-called “cooling effect” - the result of the rapid evaporation of alcohol from the surface of the skin.

The correct recommendation would be to completely avoid products aimed at teenage skin problems that abound on drugstore shelves. They contain large amounts of simple alcohol because they focus on quickly achieving mattification and drying out breakouts and acne, which in the long term leads to skin barrier breakdown and irritation.

This type of alcohol performs a similar function to simple alcohol, but has an aroma. It acts as a preservative or as a component of a fragrance or essential oil.

Let's look at them in more detail.

Benzyl Alcohol

Rating: satisfactory.
Categories: preservatives.
How does it work: its main function in cosmetics is preservative. It is an organic alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits (apricots, cranberries) and teas. High benzyl alcohol content can impart a noticeable floral aroma to cosmetic products, as it is part of the aroma composition of some essential oils, such as jasmine.

In large quantities, benzyl alcohol can cause serious irritation, but in minimal quantities in cosmetics it is generally considered safe.

Cinnamyl alcohol/Cinnamylalcohol

Rating: unsatisfactory.
Categories: flavoring
How does it work: This volatile fragrance containing cinnamon and balsam of Peru extracts can significantly dry out the skin.

And now we get to the most interesting part. There is a whole class of substances that are “alcohols” in their chemical essence, but they differ in their appearance and effect on the skin.

Fatty alcohols are non-drying and have emollient and occlusive properties (slowing down the evaporation of water). Unlike simple alcohols, they have a thick, waxy texture. Some of them are even in a solid state of aggregation.

Fatty alcohols are used to give products a soft, velvety feel and glide on the skin more pleasantly.

Here are some examples:

Behenyl Alcohol
Caprylic Alcohol
Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol
Decyl alcohol
Lauryl Alcohol
Myristyl Alcohol
Stearyl Alcohol
Isostearyl Alcohol
Oleyl Alcohol

Used as:

Emulsifiers. These alcohols help mix water with oils to create nice, smooth creams and lotions.
Emollients. Because these ingredients have natural moisturizing properties, they are included in many creams and lotions.
Thickeners. Consumers love thick, rich creams, especially for winter products. Fatty alcohols help thicken the formula to the correct consistency.

There is only one small complaint about some fatty alcohols - they can cause an irritation reaction in sensitive skin. In particular, coco- and lauryl glycosides, which are mixtures of fatty alcohols and glucose. But this is only a small exception.

Examples of safe and effective fatty alcohols include:

Stearyl alcohol

Stearyl Stearate

Rating: satisfactory.
Categories:
How does it work: It is a plant wax made from natural fatty acids combined with synthetic fatty alcohols. Functions as an emollient, occlusive agent to moisturize the skin.

Lauril Laurat

Rating: best.
Categories: emollient, product texture improver.
How does it work: is an emollient ingredient that can help bioactive ingredients integrate better into the surface of the skin (a gentler version of penetration enhancers). It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

By the way, many ingredients we are familiar with are actually alcohols too.

Panthenol

Rating: best.
Categories: vitamins.
How does it work: is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid. Sometimes called provitamin B5, panthenol mixes easily with many different types of ingredients, making it a versatile skin-appearing ingredient. Panthenol is used in skin care products as a humectant due to its ability to attract and retain moisture.

Glycerol

Phytosphingosine

What conclusion can be drawn from all this?

Everything is much more complicated than it seems at first glance. The word “alcohol” does not always mean the classic, in our understanding, simple alcohol. And the absence of the word “alcohol” does not always mean that the composition contains no alcohol at all.

Beware of simple alcohols, especially ethanol, methanol and isopropyl alcohol. Use denatured alcohol with caution, except in certified organic cosmetics, where it is safe in the general formula. There is no need to be afraid of aromatic benzyl alcohol, or all the fatty alcohols listed in our article.

So, seeing the word Alcohol in the composition of a component, first of all it’s worth figuring out what type of alcohol this alcohol belongs to. And only after that decide whether the product is suitable for you or not. And if you are in doubt, then pay attention to the brand itself - the presence of organic certificates will speak in favor of a safe formula.

Structural formula of benzyl alcohol.

Benzyl alcohol(C 6 H 5 CH 2 OH, C 7 H 8 O, E1519) is the simplest aromatic alcohol. It is a colorless liquid with a faint odor.
In cosmetics and perfumery it is used as a solvent.
Benzyl alcohol is surrounded by many rumors and horror stories. Let's try to figure out whether it is harmful.

Horror story	Criticism
Benzyl alcohol is toxic.	This is partly true. The semi-lethal dose (for rabbits) when taken orally is 1040 mg/kg, i.e. it is five times more toxic than ethyl alcohol and two times more toxic than methyl alcohol. For humans, these dosages will be slightly different, but it is possible to draw a conclusion about toxicity. Don't drink benzyl alcohol in liters and everything will be fine!
Benzyl alcohol is an irritant.	Also true. If it comes into contact with mucous membranes, eyes or damaged skin, benzyl alcohol may cause a burning sensation. There is no danger to intact skin. Benzyl alcohol is quite volatile and, as a result, is poorly absorbed. However, its vapors can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and lungs.
Benzyl alcohol is a chemical substance.	Quite a strange accusation. “Chemical content” is not an indicator of toxicity or, conversely, harmlessness. Benzyl alcohol is found in tea, many fruits, and various essential oils, such as ylang-ylang, jasmine, hyacinth, etc.
Benzyl alcohol is harmful to children.	In adults, it is conjugated with glycine in the liver, quickly oxidized to benzoic acid and excreted as hippuric acid. Children, especially newborns, especially those in critical condition, cannot effectively metabolize benzyl alcohol, which can lead to severe poisoning and even death. A study conducted in the 1980s found that benzyl alcohol used as a preservative in saline solution was responsible for more than ten episodes of neonatal mortality. Benzyl alcohol is no longer used in IV solutions intended for infants.
Benzyl alcohol is used to poison insects.	This is true. The FDA has approved the use of a 5% benzyl alcohol solution for the treatment of head lice in children over 6 months of age and in adults. Benzyl alcohol clogs the spiracles of lice and they die. Unfortunately, its toxicity is not enough to kill lice eggs.
Benzyl alcohol is explosive.	Like most alcohols, it ignites easily, and its vapors can explode, both from fire and when exposed to strong oxidizing agents. However, benzyl alcohol has a fairly low vapor pressure, so there is no need to worry about sealed perfume bottles exploding when slightly heated.

Conclusion: benzyl alcohol is an ordinary solvent, filler and preservative. Moderate toxicity, high stability, excellent dissolving properties deservedly make it a popular component of cosmetics, perfumery and pharmacology. There is no reason to be afraid of benzyl alcohol in cosmetics.