Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol (Phenethyl Alcohol / 2-Phenylethanol) is an aromatic alcohol widely used in perfumery, fragrances, cosmetics, and personal-care formulations. It has a characteristic soft, sweet, floral, rose-like aroma, making it particularly valuable for building and enhancing floral fragrance compositions. Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol is especially important for creating rose and floral fragrances. Its smooth floral character can provide body and naturalness to a perfume without being as sharp as some other floral aroma chemicals. It is commonly used in rose, jasmine, geranium, peony, lilac, orange blossom, muguet and other floral accords. It can also soften stronger aroma chemicals and help connect floral notes with woody, musky and amber components.
Property Information
INCI Name Phenethyl Alcohol
Chemical Name 2-Phenylethanol
CAS No. 60-12-8
EC No. 200-456-2
Molecular Formula C₈H₁₀O
Molecular Weight 122.16 g/mol
Appearance Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor Sweet, floral, rose-like
Solubility Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol
Function Aroma chemical / fragrance ingredient
Common Applications
Fine fragrances and perfumes
Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette
Perfume oils
Body sprays and colognes
Rose and floral fragrance compounds
Soaps and body washes
Shampoos and conditioners
Lotions and creams
Deodorants
Candles
Diffusers and home fragrances
Air-care products
Benefits to a Fragrance Formula
Rose-like character: Gives formulations a recognizable soft rose/floral note.
Blending: Helps round and soften floral compositions and can make complex fragrance blends smell more cohesive.
Floral body: Adds fullness to rose and other floral accords.
Versatility: Works well in both simple floral accords and complex fine-fragrance compositions.
Blends Well With
Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol combines particularly well with Rose Absolute, Rose Essential Oil, Geraniol, Citronellol, Nerol, Linalool, Eugenol, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Neroli, Bergamot, musk materials and woody aroma chemicals.
Cosmetic Use
In cosmetic and personal-care formulations, Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol can primarily serve as a fragrance ingredient. Depending on the formulation and concentration, it may also contribute antimicrobial activity, but it should not automatically be treated as a complete stand-alone preservative system.
Note: Usage level should be determined according to the intended application, finished formulation, supplier specifications, applicable IFRA guidance, and local cosmetic regulations.
