Benzyl Alcohol NF/FCC Food Grade

Benzyl alcohol NF/FCC (food grade) is a naturally occurring aromatic alcohol found in some fruits (like apricots and cranberries), teas, and essential oils (especially jasmine and ylang-ylang). Certified NF/FCC Food Grade, manufactured in North America to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety for food and pharmaceutical use. In food applications, it’s used very sparingly and typically. Benzyl alcohol (food grade or cosmetic grade) is widely used in the cosmetic and personal care industry, where it plays several key roles:

1. Flavoring Agent

• Used in trace amounts to contribute a mild, sweet, almond-like flavor or to enhance floral notes in flavor blends.
• Often found in baked goods, beverages, and candies as part of complex flavoring formulas.

2. Solvent for Flavor Compounds

• Helps dissolve and stabilize certain flavoring oils or extracts, especially those not water-soluble.
• Common in flavor concentrates or emulsions.
• Helps dissolve ingredients that don’t mix easily with water.
• Useful in products like serums, toners, and perfumes.

3. Preservative (Minor Use)

• Occasionally used for its mild antibacterial properties, especially in flavoring syrups or flavored oils.
• Not as common as other food preservatives, but allowed in very small concentrations.
• Prevents microbial growth in creams, lotions, and serums.
• Commonly used with other preservatives (like dehydroacetic acid or potassium sorbate) in natural or preservative-lite formulas.
• Approved in concentrations up to 1% in cosmetics (EU, US, etc.).
• Helps adjust texture and fluidity of emulsions or gel products.

4. Viscosity Controller

Helps adjust texture and fluidity of emulsions or gel products.

Important Notes:

It’s regulated by food safety authorities (like FDA, EFSA) and must meet strict purity standards.

Usage levels are extremely low — typically under 0.1% of total product weight.