Benzyl Alcohol
- Aromatic solvents
- CAS 100-51-0
- IUPAC: phenylmethanol
Benzyl Alcohol (CAS 100-51-0) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is classified as a VOC.
Benzyl alcohol carries H302 (harmful if swallowed) and H332 (harmful if inhaled) at concentrated levels. At typical cleaning product concentrations (usually under 1%) these risks are very low. H319 (eye irritation) can occur at higher concentrations. Not a skin sensitizer at typical concentrations, though it is listed as a potential EU fragrance allergen at higher doses. Not on California's Prop 65 list. Biodegrades readily in aerobic conditions.
Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used as a co-solvent, mild preservative, and fragrance ingredient in cleaning products. It is biodegradable and generally considered lower hazard than chlorinated solvents or glycol ethers at typical use concentrations. At high concentrations (workplace exposure levels) it can cause headache and CNS effects via inhalation; at consumer product dilutions this risk is minimal. Listed as a potential EU fragrance allergen at concentrations above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
Regulatory status
- Not CA Prop 65 listed
- EU CLP: H302, H332 at concentrate; H319 possible at higher concentrations
- EU fragrance allergen disclosure required above threshold concentrations
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- yes
- Prop 65 listed
- no
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- no
- Biodegradable
- yes
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- no
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 5/5
Common questions about Benzyl Alcohol
- What is Benzyl Alcohol used for in car care?
- Solvent and fragrance component; used as a co-solvent, preservative, and fragrance ingredient in cleaning products
- Is Benzyl Alcohol a VOC?
- Yes. Benzyl Alcohol is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is Benzyl Alcohol on California's Proposition 65 list?
- No. Benzyl Alcohol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
- Is Benzyl Alcohol biodegradable?
- Yes. Benzyl Alcohol has a confirmed biodegradable profile.
1 product contain this
Turtle Wax Spot Clean Stain & Odor RemoverProp 65fabric-upholstery-cleaner
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.