Benzyl Alcohol is a popular hair care products ingredient that is subject to several debates. While some believe that it is a pathetic component, others trust it as an effective hair health booster.
This article discusses several aspects of the product, dismissing misconceptions and providing facts that you need to understand about Benzyl Alcohol.
It also highlights the potential benefits of the product like moisture retention and its ability to eradicate head lice. Let’s dive right in!
What Does Benzyl Alcohol Do to Your Hair?
Benzyl Alcohol has several advantages for the hair, being a natural preservative and fragrance ingredient. The product has shown positive results in extending the lifetime of hair care products by preventing the growth of fungi and some bacteria.
It also acts as a fragrance ingredient that gives hair care products a pleasant smell loved by most individuals. Benzyl Alcohol also regulates the pH of the scalp and boosts the absorption of other ingredients.
Is Benzyl Alcohol Bad for Hair?
Unlike other alcohols like isopropyl and ethanol, Benzyl Alcohol isn’t inherently dangerous to your hair.
Being a fatty alcohol, its particles are too large to penetrate the hair shaft. This means that it doesn’t have a drying effect as often believed. Instead, it is safe and highly beneficial to hair health.
How Should Benzyl Alcohol Be Used?
Basically, Benzyl Alcohol’s usage instructions are often available on the product’s label. You may also get them from your preferred medical specialist. The bottom line is that you should follow the recommended usage guidelines.
From our end, we recommend starting with a patch test to ensure that you do not fall victim to allergic reactions later. We also advise that you use the product moderately. Lastly, consider using Benzyl Alcohol besides hydrating treatments for optimal results.
Benefits of Benzyl Alcohol for Your Hair
- It can eliminate head lice: Benzyl Alcohol can kill lice and their eggs altogether. It boasts insecticidal properties that work by interfering with their respiratory spiracles, killing them almost instantly. Rest assured that it doesn’t cause side effects while doing this.
- It can help your hair retain moisture: As a moisture-locking ingredient, Benzyl Alcohol also helps the hair retain moisture. Therefore, if you have dry hair, rest assured that Benzyl Alcohol will improve your hair’s softness and make it look healthier.
- It promotes product longevity: As already mentioned above, Benzyl Alcohol has shown positive results as a preservative. It increases the shelf life of hair care products by killing bacteria and fungi. Consequently, you can save on such products.
Which Alcohols Are Bad for Your Hair?
We recommend understanding the effects of different types of alcohol to help you choose the right one for your hair.
For example, alcohols like ethanol and SD alcohol are examples of short-chain alcohols that are bad for your hair because they penetrate the hair shaft and lead to hair drying. Others are:
Propanol: Propanol is known as a solvent that causes hair dryness and potential damage to the hair cuticle. The results of these effects include a lacklustre appearance and frizz.
Isopropyl: Isopropyl can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, dull, and prone to damage. It may also irritate your scalp.
Which Alcohols are Good for Hair?
On the other hand, long-chain alcohols like cetyl and stearyl alcohols are good for your hair because they can’t be absorbed by the hair shaft. Others include but are not limited to the following:
Lauryl Alcohol: It is used in hair care products due to its thickening properties. Its main advantage is enhancing the texture of the hair for better manageability.
Cetearyl Alcohol: Due to its conditioning properties, Cetearyl Alcohol is beneficial to your hair. It is also known for moisture retention and other health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get comprehensive answers to common questions we usually receive regarding Benzyl Alcohol and its role in hair care. These answers will help you clarify any doubts and make informed decisions regarding your hair’s well-being.
Is Benzyl Alcohol in a Conditioner Bad?
The answer is a bold no. Benzyl Alcohol is a short-chain alcohol, which is good for your hair. Its benefits include regulating the pH balance of your scalp and enhancing the absorption of other healthy hair nutrients.
Why is Benzyl Alcohol Found in Shampoo?
Benzyl Alcohol is found in several hair care products, including shampoo, mainly for two reasons: as a preservative or as a solvent.
How Much of Benzyl Alcohol is Safe?
Several regulatory bodies and scientists have endorsed the use of Benzyl Alcohol in hair care products. for example, the CIR believes that up to 5% of the product is safe to add as an ingredient in cosmetic products. All you need to do to stay safe is use the cosmetic products according to the provided instructions.
Is Benzyl Alcohol Cancerous?
No, Benzyl Alcohol doesn’t cause cancer. There has not been an iota of scientific proof for this over the years. Nevertheless, it is important to use products that contain it according to the prescribed instructions to avoid any problems.
Is Benzyl Alcohol Natural?
Yes, Benzyl Alcohol can be extracted from some fruits and vegetables. It can also be synthetically produced. The good news is that both forms of the ingredient are safe for cosmetic use.
What Are the Negative Effects of Benzyl Alcohol?
The good news is that Benzyl Alcohol doesn’t cause any adverse reactions to the skin or scalp when used correctly. However, incorrect or excessive usage may lead to side effects. We recommend talking to a cosmetic specialist for more advice.
Is alcohol bad for curly hair?
Short-chain alcohols can be detrimental to curly hair, as they tend to dry out and frizz the strands. Opting for products with long-chain fatty alcohols like Benzyl Alcohol is a wiser choice, as they offer moisture-retaining benefits without causing damage.
The Bottom Line
When Benzyl Alcohol, is correctly used, it can be beneficial for hair care in the long run. It brings several advantages to the table, including the ability to kill head lice, preservative properties, and moisture retention, to mention a few.
By understanding these benefits, and the differences between different alcohols, you can make more informed buying decisions – good luck!