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Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol

What Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol is & what it does

Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol is a chlorinated derivative of benzyl alcohol. In cosmetics and personal care it is used mainly as a preservative and antimicrobial agent to help keep formulas free of microbial growth. A notable property is its broad activity against bacteria and fungi, which lets it be used at low levels to protect a product.

What does Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol do in skincare?

Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol is a chlorinated benzyl alcohol used mainly as a preservative and antimicrobial. It helps keep a formula free of bacterial and fungal growth so the product stays stable over time. It is a protective ingredient rather than a skincare active.

Is Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol safe?

Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol is used as a preservative at the low levels needed to protect a product. As with many preservatives, some people with sensitive skin can occasionally react. Patch testing is a sensible precaution if you have known sensitivities.

Is Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol natural or synthetic?

Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol is a synthetic ingredient, made as a chlorinated derivative of benzyl alcohol. It is produced for use as a cosmetic preservative. It is not a plant-derived botanical.

Sunscreens with Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol

We rate 8 sunscreens that contain it:

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