What Is α-Methylbenzyl alcohol?

Learn about the perfuming characteristics of α-Methylbenzyl alcohol and its usage in personal care products.

What Is α-Methylbenzyl alcohol? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is α-Methylbenzyl alcohol?

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1-Phenylethanol is a colorless liquid that smells like flowers. It is used in cosmetics to make them smell good, and in food as a flavoring agent with a sweet and fresh taste similar to hyacinths and gardenias. It cannot dissolve in water, but it can slightly irritate the skin, eyes, and nose if touched or breathed in. 1-Phenylethanol is also used to create other chemicals.

What is the purpose of α-Methylbenzyl alcohol in personal care products? It is used for its perfuming characteristics. α-Methylbenzyl alcohol adds a pleasant fragrance.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: α-Methylbenzyl alcohol, 1-Phenylethan-1-ol, Styralyl Alcohol, "Benzenemethanol, α-methyl-", and "1-Phenylethanol (α-Methylbenzyl alcohol) (Benzenemethanol, α-methyl-)".

What Are Perfuming Ingredients?

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α-Methylbenzyl alcohol has perfuming characteristics.

Perfuming ingredients are used in cosmetic products to enhance a product's scent. These ingredients are derived from various sources, such as essential oils, synthetic aromas, and natural extracts. Perfuming ingredients are carefully selected and blended to create a specific scent profile that appeals to users.

How perfuming ingredients function is by emitting molecules that are easily vaporized, and these molecules stimulate the odorant receptors in our noses, creating a delightful fragrance. They are carefully selected and blended to create a unique scent profile that can evoke a particular emotion or mood.

Natural vs Synthetic Perfuming Ingredients

Natural perfuming ingredients are derived from natural sources such as flowers, fruits, spices, and herbs. These ingredients can provide a wide range of scents, from floral to woody to spicy, and are often used in high-end or niche fragrances. Natural perfuming ingredients commonly include essential oils, absolutes, resins, and extracts.

On the other hand, synthetic perfuming ingredients are created in a lab using a combination of chemicals. They are designed to mimic natural ingredients' scents or create entirely new fragrances. Synthetic ingredients are often used in mass-market perfumes and other fragranced products because they are cheaper and more consistent in scent than natural ingredients.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.