BENZYL ALCOHOL
CASRN#
100-51-6
INCI Name
BENZYL ALCOHOL
Alternate Names
benzyl alcohol, phenylmethanol, benzenemethanol, phenylcarbinol, Benzoyl alcohol
Common Trade Names
Ulesfia (TN), Sunmorl BK 20, Euxyl K 100, Caswell No. 081F
Molecular Weight
108.14 g/mol
Functional Uses
Solvent, Preservative, Intermediate for other chemicals, frangrance, flavoring agent, ingredient in cosmetics and ointments, viscosity decreasing agent
Common Impurities
Benzaldehyde dibenzyl acetal (BDBA)
Is this a VOC?
Yes
Is this an exempt VOC?
No
Vapor Pressure
0.011599367 mm Hg
Octanol-water partition coefficient (log Kow)
1.05
Solubility at 25 C
7818.522 mg/l
Boiling Point
243 °C
Particle size range as aerodynamic diameter
- - - μm
Hazard Summary
C2C Chemical Rating
c/b
GHS Health
H302H319H335H336
GHS Enviro
None
Assessed by
GRADIENT
Assessment Date
Apr 21, 2020
Assessment Expires
Apr 20, 2025
Verification Status
verified
Executive Summary
Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used in cosmetic products as a preservative, fragrance component, solvent, and viscosity-decreasing agent. It is also commonly used as a solvent for surface-coating materials and resins. Human health hazards associated with benzyl alcohol include slight eye irritation and mild respiratory irritation, among others. It is also expected to exhibit acute oral toxicity (mortality) at high doses. Oral single exposure neurotoxicity is a potential concern based on the Grandjean & Landrigan's Neurotoxic Chemical listing and benzyl alcohol's association with "gasping syndrome" in preterm newborns. Benzyl alcohol is not mutagenic, genotoxic, or carcinogenic via oral exposure, however, data gaps exist for the dermal and inhalation carcinogenicity endpoints. It is not a reproductive or developmental toxicant via oral exposure, but data gaps exist for dermal and inhalation exposure. Benzyl alcohol appears as Yellow under Cradle to Cradle due to its presence on dermal sensitization supporting lists. However, the weight of the evidence indicates benzyl alcohol is not a skin sensitizer in humans according to GHS criteria, which appear to be focused on allergic responses. In addition, positive effects observed in human patch tests are rare, with a frequency ranging from 0 to 0.9%. Benzyl alcohol is recognized in the published literature to induce non-immunologic contact reactions in certain populations, which is distinct from skin sensitization and immunologic contact urticaria. No environmental hazards were identified, and benzyl alcohol is considered to be readily and rapidly biodegradable and have a low potential for bioaccumulation.
Hazard Tables

How to read the GHS Hazard Summary Table

 
Carcinogenicity
Mutagenicity
Reproductive Toxicity
Developmental Toxicity
Acute Toxicity
STOT-Single
STOT-Repeated
STOT- Neurotoxicity-Single
STOT- Neurotoxicity-Repeated
Skin Sensitizer
Respiratory Sensitizer
Skin Corrosion/Irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation
Acute Aquatic Toxicity
Chronic Aquatic Toxicity
Ozone Depletion
Oral
Dermal
Inhalation
NC
Rationale
Based on the negative results of NTP 2-year cancer bioassays in rats and mice, benzyl alcohol is not classified as a carcinogenicity hazard via the oral exposure route. NTP (1989) concluded that there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity in either species. Benzyl alcohol has not been determined to be carcinogenic or possible/likely carcinogenic by any agency (e.g. NTP, IARC, EPA, Prop65).
CNP
Rationale
No long-term carcinogenicity data were identified for benzyl alcohol via the dermal exposure route. Therefore, classification not possible.
CNP
Rationale
No long-term carcinogenicity studies were identified for benzyl alcohol via the inhalation exposure route. Therefore, classification not possible.
NC
Rationale
Based on negative results from in vivo genotoxicity studies and supported by negative results from three Ames tests, an in vitro micronucleus test, and an in vitro chromosome aberration test, benzyl alcohol is not considered a mutagen. Additional in vitro studies including a mouse lymphoma assay, chromosome aberration test, and sister chromatid exchange assay were equivocal or weakly positive, but benzyl alcohol was negative in all four in vivo studies identified. Thus, the weight of the evidence indicates that benzyl alcohol is not mutagenic or clastogenic. This is supported by the lack of GHS classification for germ cell mutagenicity by C&L notifiers, the ECHA dossier, and various jurisdictions. The CIR expert report (CIR, 2017) and OECD SIDS assessment (OECD SIDS, 2001) similarly conclude that the weight of evidence indicates benzyl alcohol and similar substances are non-genotoxic. The negative Ames tests and negative Drosophila sex-linked recessive lethal (SLRL) assay indicate benzyl alcohol does not induce point mutations, although an in vitro mouse lymphoma assay was equivocal. The in vivo micronucleus test in mice indicates the substance does not induce chromosomal aberrations. Mixed results were obtained from in vitro chromosomal aberration and micronucleus tests. Confidence is low due to the presence of a few positive and weakly positive in vitro studies.
NC
Rationale
No reproductive toxicity studies were identified for benzyl alchol. However, some reproductive endpoints were assessed as part of developmental toxicity studies in mice and target organ repeat dose studies in rats and mice. Based on the lack of reproductive effects in two developmental toxicity studies in mice, and supported by a lack of effects on reproductive organs in subchronic and chronic toxicity studies in two species (mice and rats), benzyl alcohol is not classified as a reproductive toxicant. Confidence is low due to benzyl alcohol's Pregnancy Risk Group C listing on MAK and the absence of animal studies specifically evaluating reproductive toxicity.
CNP
Rationale
No dermal reproductive studies were identified for benzyl alcohol. Therefore, classification not possible. Benzyl alcohol is listed on MAK - Pregnancy Risk Group C.
CNP
Rationale
No inhalation reproductive studies were identified for benzyl alcohol. Therefore, classification not possible. Benzyl alcohol is listed on MAK - Pregnancy Risk Group C.
NC
Rationale
Based on the lack of developmental effects in two developmental toxicity studies in mice, benzyl alcohol is not classified as a developmental toxicant. Reduced pup and litter weights were only observed in the presence of maternal toxicity (increased mortality and reduced body weight) in one study in mice administered 750 mg/kg-day of benzyl alcohol . Confidence is low because the studies only included one dose and due to the lack of developmental studies in a second species (i.e. rabbits or rats). Additionally, benzyl alcohol is listed on MAK - Pregnancy Risk Group C.
CNP
Rationale
No dermal developmental studies were identified for benzyl alcohol. Therefore, classification not possible. Benzyl alcohol is listed on MAK - Pregnancy Risk Group C.
CNP
Rationale
No inhalation developmental studies were identified for benzyl alcohol. Therefore, classification not possible. Benzyl alcohol is listed on MAK - Pregnancy Risk Group C.
Cat 4
Rationale
Based on an LD50 of 1620 mg/kg reported from a study in rats, the CoI is classified as a Category 4 acute oral toxicant under GHS. This is consistent with ECHA's harmonized classification (CLH) and hazards assigned by countries that have adopted GHS (e.g. Japan, Australia, New Zealand).
NC
Rationale
A guideline dermal study in rabbits reports a dermal LD50 of >2,000 mg/kg. An LD50 of <5,000 was also identified from a study in guinea pigs, but limited study details are available. Based on the LD50 > 2,000 in rabbits of the guideline study, benzyl alcohol is not classified for acute toxicity via the dermal exposure route. Confidence is low due to the report of an LD50 below 5,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs, which could be within classification range. However, no additional details were provided in this study.
NC
Rationale
Based on LC50 values >4.2 mg/L and >5.4 mg/L from acute inhalation studies in rats, benzyl alcohol is not classified for acute toxicity via the inhalation route. Benzyl alcoholhas an ECHA harmonized classification (CLH) for category 4 acute inhalation toxicity; however, the more recent CLH intention document submitted by Germany does not propose to classify as an acute hazard via the inhalation route. Confidence is low due to the conflicting GHS listings for benzyl alcohol.
NC
Rationale
Benzyl alcohol is not classified based on a lack of clinical signs and organ effects in an acute oral study in rats administered 1,045 mg/kg. Clinical signs of toxicity such as sedation and bloody eyes occurred only at doses that were also associated with mortality. Low confidence assigned due to lack of details on systemic effects or histological information. Additionally, no human data is available.
NC
Rationale
Based on a lack of systemic toxicity and organ effects in an acute dermal study in rabbits administered 2000 mg/kg, benzyl alcohol is not classified. Low confidence assigned due to lack of details on the specific target organs reviewed or accompanying histological information. Additionally, no human data is available.
Cat 3
Rationale
An acute inhalation toxicity study in rats reported transient and slight clinical signs at the highest dose (4178 mg/m³; maximum technically achievable concentration) that were stated by the author to be related to a slight irritant effect of the test article to the upper respiratory tract (reflex bradypnea caused by sensory irritation). No indication of respiratory irritation was reported from repeated inhalation studies. Confidence is low due to the absence of human data, considering this GHS endpoint is "primarily based on human data."
NC
Rationale
Based on sub-chronic and chronic studies in rats and mice that reported no target organ effects at moderate doses, benzyl alcohol is not classified for STOT RE via oral exposure. Histopathological changes to the brain, thymus, kidney, and skeletal muscle were reported at 800 mg/kg-day in the 13-week study in rats. This dose level (800 mg/kg-day) is well above the guidance value for STOT RE classification (100 mg/kg-day) under GHS. In the 13-week study in mice, reduction of relative body weight gain was reported in female mice at 200 mg/kg-day and above and in male mice at 400 mg/kg-day and above, however, these dose levels are above the guidance value for STOT RE classification (100 mg/kg-day) under GHS as well.
CNP
Rationale
No dermal repeated dose toxicity studies were identified for the benzyl alcohol. Therefore, classification not possible.
NC
Rationale
Based on a lack of toxicological effects in two 4-week exposure studies in rats, benzyl alcohol is not classified for STOT RE via the inhalation route. In the key study (K=1, 2010, OECD 412), rats were administered benzyl alcohol via nose-only inhalation up to 1,072 mg/m³ (1.1 mg/L), and no adverse effects were reported at any exposure concentration. Confidence is low due to the absence of a longer duration study; however, it should be noted that no effects were observed up to the high concentrations (1,072 mg/m³ and 1290 mg/m³) tested in either of the 28-day studies.
Cat 3
Rationale
Benzyl alcohol is on the Grandjean & Landrigan List of Neurotoxic Chemicals, but no details regarding the basis for the listing were available. While this listing could lead to a red classification according to C2CC criteria, data from an acute oral study in rats did not report clinical signs indicative of significant neurological effects in the absence of mortality and has more relevance in classification of this hazard endpoint. Based on reversible clinical signs in surviving animals, benzyl alcohol is assigned Category 3 STOT SE for the oral exposure route. Confidence is low due to the Grandjean listing and presence of "gasping syndrome" even though it has limited relevance to the hazard endpoint due to the IV route of exposure and unique biological susceptibility of preterm infants. Therefore, the “gasping syndrome” is also considered under the other human health endpoint.
NC
Rationale
Based on a lack of systemic and organ effects in an acute dermal study in rabbits administered 2000 mg/kg, benzyl alcohol is not classified. Benzyl alcohol is on the Grandjean & Landrigan List of Neurotoxic Chemicals.
NC
Rationale
Based on a lack of neurological clinical signs or gross pathological effects to nervous system organs in two acute inhalation studies in rats, benzyl alcohol is not classified for neurotoxicty single exposure via the inhalation route. Benzyl alcohol is on the Grandjean & Landrigan list of Neurotoxic Chemicals.
NC
Rationale
Based on a lack of neurotoxic effects at levels requiring classification under GHS, benzyl alcohol is not classified for neurotoxicity repeated exposure via the oral route. Sub-chronic studies reported clinical signs of neurotoxicity (e.g. staggering, lethargy) in rats and mice and histological brain lesions in rats at 800 mg/kg-day; however, this is well outside the guidance value range from classification (100 mg/kg-day) (NTP, 1989). In addition, 2-year studies in rats and mice did not report clinical signs of neurotoxicity or gross or histopathological effects to the nervous system organs up the highest doses tested (NTP, 1989). Benzyl alcohol is on the Grandjean & Landrigan List of Neurotoxic Chemicals.
CNP
Rationale
No dermal repeated dose toxicity studies were identified. Therefore, classification not possible. Benzyl alcohol is on the Grandjean & Landrigan list of Neurotoxic Chemicals.
NC
Rationale
Based on a lack of clinical signs indicative of neurotoxicity and lack of pathological effects to nervous system tissues in two 28-day studies in rats, benzyl alcohol is not classified for neurotoxicity repeated exposure via the inhalation route. The two studies reported no treatment related effects up to 1072 - 1290 mg/m3 (ECHA, 2020). Benzyl alcohol is on the Grandjean & Landrigan list of Neurotoxic Chemicals.
NC
Rationale
The weight of the evidence indicates benzyl alcohol is not a skin sensitizer in humans according to GHS criteria, which appear to focus on allergic responses. IN addition, no dermal sensitization was reported in the majority of the available animal studies. Benzyl alcohol was not sensitizing in several animal studies (i.e., OECD 429 mouse LLNA, OECD 406 guinea pig maximization, and a modified Draize test), however, benzyl alcohol was sensitizing in open epicutaneous and Freud's complete adjuvant tests, both conducted in guinea pigs. However, both of these studies are non-guideline studies and provided limited details. Positive effects in human patch tests are rare, with an incidence frequency ranging from 0 to 0.9%. Further, benzyl alcohol is recognized in the published literature to induce non-immunologic contact reactions in certain populations, which is distinct from skin sensitization and immunologic contact urticaria. Lastly, benzyl alcohol is not classified as a dermal sensitizer according to the EU CLP harmonized classifications (i.e., Annex VI), ECHA dossier, or classification & labelling notifiers (notably, only 1 notifier out of more than 5000 classified benzyl alcohol for this endpoint). Confidence is low due to the supporting lists for skin sensitization and lack of clarification on whether non-immunologic contact uticaria would qualify for GHS dermal sensitization classification. Even if non-immunologic contact uticaria qualifies as evidence for classification under GHS, the incidence in humans is extremely low (<1%). None of Cradle to Cradle's classification categories for dermal sensitization are entirely applicable to benzyl alcohol and thus were not selected, since none of the options fully and accurately characterize benzyl alcohol. Additionally, benzyl alcohol already appears as Yellow under Cradle to Cradle based on its inclusion on dermal sensitization supporting Lists.
CNP
Rationale
No respiratory sensitization data was found.
NC
Rationale
Based on the results of a guideline skin irritation study in rabbits, benzyl alcohol is not classified for skin irritation. This study reported only slight, reversible effects (erythema score between 0 and 1) in one of three test animals, which were reversed within 72 hours (ECHA, 2020). A few older, non-guideline studies report benzyl alcohol is slightly irritating when applied undiluted (CIR, 2017; OECD SIDS, 2001).
Cat 2A
Rationale
Based on the results of two guideline studies in rabbits, benzyl alcohol is classified as a Category 2A eye irritant. The classification is based on Draize scores reported from the two studies and reversibility of the effects within 21 days.
NC
Rationale
Benzyl alcohol is not classified as acutely toxic to algae based on two acute toxicity studies.
NC
Rationale
Since 72 hours can be considered chronic in the case of algae that can regenerate within that time frame, a 72-hour NOEC (310 mg/L) is used to classify benzyl alcohol as not chronically toxic to algae.
NC
Rationale
Benzyl alcohol is not listed as an ozone depletor according to the Montreal Protocol or a greenhouse gas according to IPCC report.
Other
  • Explosives: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Flammable Gases: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Aerosols: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Oxidizing Gases: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Flammable Liquids: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Flammable Solids: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Self-reactive substances and mixtures: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Pyrophoric Liquids: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Pyrophoric Solids: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Self-heating Substances and Mixtures: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Substances and Mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Oxidizing Liquids: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Oxidizing Solids: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Organic Peroxides: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Corrosive to Metals: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)
  • Desensitized Explosives: Classification not possible (Data gap or insufficient data)

How to read the C2CC Hazard Summary Table

Human Health
Environmental
Other
 
Carcinogenicity
Mutagenicity
Reproductive & Developmental Toxicity
Endocrine Activity / Disruption
Oral Toxicity
Dermal Toxicity
Inhalation Toxicity
Neurotoxicity
Skin, Eye, and Respiratory Corrosion/Irritation
Sensitization of Skin and Airways
Fish Toxicity
Daphnia Toxicity
Algae Toxicity
Terrestrial Toxicity
Persistence
Bioaccumulation
Climatic Relevance
Other (Human Health)
Organohalogens
Toxic Metals
Other (Environmental Health)
Oral
Dermal
Inhalation
G
-
-
G
G
-
-
G
Rationale
Based on a lack of effects on endocrine organs in chronic and subchronic studies in rats and mice and a lack of reproductive and developmental effects in prenatal developmental studies in mice, benzyl alcohol does not display endocrine activity or disruption. Two 28-day inhalation studies in rats reported no treatment-related effects up to 1072 - 1290 mg/m³ (ECHA, 2020). In the 13-week oral gavage study in rats, histological effects to the thymus were noted; however, this was at a high dose (800 mg/kg-day) and occurred alongside clinical signs of toxicity, hemorrhages around the mouth and nose, and non-neoplastic changes to the brain, skeletal muscle, kidneys (NTP, 1989). In addition, thymus effects were not noted in other repeated dose studies. Thus, a specific target organ effect on the thymus is not expected.
Y
G
G
Y
G
G
Y
Y
G
G
G
-
G
Rationale
Based on multiple biodegradability studies including one OECD 302 and three OECD 301 Guideline studies, benzyl alcohol is considered readily and rapidly biodegradable.
G
Rationale
Based on low experimental Log Kow values (0.87-1.10) and a low estimated BAF (Arnot-Gobas upper trophic: 1.55 L/kg wet-wt), benzyl alcohol is predicted to have a low potential for bioaccumulation. Due to the lack of experimental bioaccumulation data, low confidence is assigned.
Y
R
Rationale
Under occlusive conditions, benzyl alcohol can be expected to penetrate the skin up to approximately 80%. Due to the volatility of the CoI, dermal absorption under unoccluded conditions is expected to be lower (~20 to 32%). Based on the “gasping syndrome” associated with benzyl alcohol and discussed in oral neurotoxicity, we have assigned a red classification for other human health to document the potential hazard for IV exposure of benzyl alcohol in preterm infants.
G
G
G