Disinfectants benzyl alcohol

Benzyl alcohol Antimicrobial preservative, disinfectant, solvent Oxidizing agents, strong acids, plastic containers, and methylcellulose... 

Phenol is a benzyl alcohol and a major oxidized metabolite of benzene that was introduced into medicine as an antiseptic (1). Although it can be prepared in an aqueous solution or in glycerine, it appears to be more effective when mixed in aqueous compounds. At a concentration of 0.2% it is bacteriostatic and at over 1% bactericidal (2). In addition to its uses as an antiseptic and disinfectant, phenol is also used as a sclerosant, as a local anesthetic on the skin, and as an analgesic, by injection into nerves or spinally, but its use was limited by severe adverse effects. Current medical uses include cosmetic face peeling, nerve injections, and topical anesthesia. It is also an ingredient of various topical formulations, and is used as an environmental disinfectant. 

Benzyl alcohol is an antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics, foods, and a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations, including oral and parenteral preparations, at concentrations up to 2.0% v/v. In cosmetics, concentrations up to 3.0% v/v may be used as a preservative. Concentrations of 5% v/v or more are employed as a solubilizer, while a 10% v/v solution is used as a disinfectant. 

Benzyl alcohol is oxidized by the liver to benzoic acid, and then conjugated with glycine to form hippuric acid. Metabolic acidosis can be explained by a direct effect of benzoic acid and/or secondary lactic acid production through depression of cellular metabolism. Benzyl alcohol is a weak local anesthetic with disinfectant properties. 

The solubility of 2,4-dichloro benzyl alcohol in water is poor in aqueous systems it tends to migrate into the organic phase. The use of 2,4-dichloro benzyl alcohol as a preservative therefore is very limited. Nevertheless it is listed in the EC positive list of preservatives for cosmetic products (maximum concentration for the applications 015%). Its main application, however, is in hand disinfectants. 

Sulfosuccinate (anionic) is used as a vehicle for metallic ions or as an adjunct for benzyl alcohol to increase its incorporation into antiseptic cosmetic formulas. The sulfosuccinate salt changes the permeability of the microbial cell wall, allowing penetration of the active into the target microorganism. This allows the active to be incorporated in greater amounts in formulas which claim disinfectant or hygienic effects. 

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