Benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant aromatic odour. 

Acts as preservative for food products, playing an important role in extending shelf life of cosmetics and personal care products. In addition, acts as a Bacteriostatic preservative, benzyl alcohol prevents growth of bacteria without destroying it, which means you personal care products won't become bacterial breeding grounds, but won't wipe out any bacteria it may come in contact with. Benzyl Alcohol is added to sterile water to produce bac water.

Benzyl Alcohol has been used as a solvent for inks, paints, lacquers, and epoxy resin coating. Benzyl alcohol, along with Benzyl Benzoate, are used in a wide variety of cosmetics and personal care products.