2-phenylethanol

2-Phenylethanol (CAS 60-12-8), also known as phenethyl alcohol and phenyl ethyl alcohol (FEMA 2858), is a naturally occurring aromatic alcohol with a characteristic rose-like scent. It functions as a fragrance ingredient, flavoring agent, and antimicrobial preservative across food, cosmetic, and industrial applications. In personal care and cosmetics, it is used as a primary fragrance component.

It acts as a broad-spectrum preservative in lotions, shampoos, and liquid soaps, where it inhibits bacterial and yeast growth. Food and beverage manufacturers incorporate it as a FEMA-approved flavoring. This ingredient is used to impart floral rose notes in confectionery, baked goods, and beverages. Printing and packaging operations use it as a solvent and additive in flexographic and gravure inks.

In these industrial settings, it supports controlled drying and ink stability. It also functions as an intermediate in the synthesis of fragrance compounds and phenethyl esters used in fine fragrance production. 2-Phenylethanol is supplied as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid. It is available in food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications, with FCC and natural-origin grades commonly stocked.

These high-purity grades are ideal for flavor and fragrance applications. Technical-grade material is also available for industrial and ink formulation use cases to meet specific manufacturing needs.