Benzylalcohol-DHA: A Safe, Eco-Certified Preservative for Natural Skincare
Botanical Name: N/A (Synthetic blend)
INCI Name: Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Water
Extract Type: Synthetic broad‑spectrum preservative blend
Benefits: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection, paraben-free, ECOCERT/COSMOS‑compatible
Best Uses: Natural creams, lotions, shampoos, serums, and organic formulations
Benzyl Alcohol‑DHA is a clean, effective preservative system composed of benzyl alcohol (87%) and dehydroacetic acid (8%), with water (5%) as carrier. It protects against bacteria, yeast, and mold across a wide pH range, functioning as a safe paraben‑free alternative accepted in natural and organic cosmetic standards.
What the Science Says
- Benzyl alcohol disrupts microbial membranes, showing effective activity against gram‑negative and gram‑positive bacteria [3][4]
- Dehydroacetic acid has been shown to be practically non‑irritating, nonsensitizing, and non‑phototoxic in multiple safety assessments from 1985 to 2023 [1][2]
- Combined blend offers robust preservation with compatibility across formulations including ECOCERT and COSMOS standards [1][2][4]
Key Nutrients / Compounds
- Benzyl Alcohol (87%): Acts as antimicrobial solvent and preservative
- Dehydroacetic Acid (8%): Effective fungistatic agent, best below pH 5.5
- Water (5%): Carrier stabilizer ensuring blend compatibility and uniformity
Benefits for Formulations
- Effective against bacteria, yeast, and fungi
- Works across pH 2–6 (optimal under pH 5.5)
- Paraben-free, compatible with organic formulations
- High compatibility with most cosmetic raw materials
- Meets ECOCERT/COSMOS certification guidance
- Translucent to yellowish liquid that doesn’t alter formula appearance
- Stable at lower temperatures (≤ 40 °C / 100 °F)
Application Guidelines
- Recommended Use Level: 0.2–0.8% wt (up to 1% where permitted)
- Formulation Phase: Add during cool-down below 40 °C
- Regulatory Limits: Max benzyl alcohol ≤ 1.0%, dehydroacetic acid ≤ 0.6% (EU/Brazil) and not allowed in aerosols
Why Natural Escapes Body Uses It
We select this preservative blend for its clean, paraben‑free profile and broad-spectrum efficacy. It aligns with our commitment to natural, safe, and stable product formulations—ideal for sensitive skin and ECOCERT/COSMOS compliance.
Products Featuring This Ingredient
- Lotions & Creams
- Shampoos & Body Washes
- Serums & Sprays
Safety Notes
- Approved as safe by Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (1985, 2003, 2023)
- Aerosol applications are restricted under EU regulations
- Recommend microbiological challenge testing for formulation safety
- Conduct compatibility testing with specific raw materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benzyl Alcohol‑DHA safe for natural cosmetics?
Yes. It’s approved in ECOCERT/COSMOS guidelines and recognized as a clean, non-sensitizing preservative blend.
How is Benzyl Alcohol‑DHA different from parabens?
Unlike parabens, which have been linked to health and environmental concerns, Benzyl Alcohol‑DHA offers effective broad-spectrum preservation without endocrine disruption or synthetic harshness. It’s a safe, modern alternative accepted in natural and organic products.
Can this blend irritate sensitive skin?
Based on safety review data, it's considered practically non-irritating and non-sensitizing at recommended use levels. Still, patch testing is always recommended for very sensitive individuals.
Will this preservative affect how my product looks or smells?
No. This blend is colorless to light yellow and has a very faint scent that won’t alter the appearance or fragrance of your skincare or haircare product.
Scientific References
- CIR Expert Panel. (1985). Final safety assessment of sodium dehydroacetate and dehydroacetic acid.
- Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety. (2023). Updated safety review on dehydroacetic acid.
- Karabit et al. (1986). Benzyl alcohol antimicrobial efficacy study.
- Stroppel et al. (2023). Review of antimicrobial preservatives for cosmetics.
