BENZYL ALCOHOL

Overview

Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol compound used as a preservative, solvent, and mild local anesthetic in medical and cosmetic products.

Classification
Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol compound used as a preservative, solvent, and mild local anesthetic in medical and cosmetic products.

Uses
Used as a preservative in injectables, creams, and solutions

Acts as a solvent to help dissolve active ingredients

Serves as a local numbing agent in some topical medications

Used in head lice treatments to help kill lice

Added to cosmetics and personal care items to improve shelf life

How It Works
As a preservative, it prevents microbial growth in products

As a topical anesthetic, it temporarily numbs the skin by blocking nerve signals

In lice treatments, it disrupts the outer layer of lice, leading to their dehydration and death

Dosage
As prescribed by your doctor.

Side effects
While generally well tolerated, some people may experience:
Skin irritation or redness, especially with prolonged use

Allergic reactions (rash, itching, or swelling) in sensitive individuals

Eye or mucous membrane irritation if contact occurs

In rare cases, infants exposed to high levels (through injections) may be at risk of a serious condition called “gasping syndrome”

Precautions
Should be used cautiously in infants and young children, especially in injectables

Avoid contact with eyes, broken skin, or sensitive areas

If you have skin allergies or are prone to reactions, do a patch test before using products containing it

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should check with a healthcare provider before using concentrated forms

Use only as recommended, especially in over-the-counter lice or skincare treatments

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage