BLIT Chemical Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol CAS 1777-82-8: A Reliable Antimicrobial Ingredient for Oral Care, and Personal Care Applications

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol (DCBA) is a well-established antimicrobial active widely used in pharmaceutical, oral care, and personal care formulations. Known for its broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and excellent formulation compatibility, dichlorobenzyl alcohol has become a trusted ingredient in throat lozenges, sprays, mouthwashes, and antiseptic products worldwide.

As a professional chemical supplier, BLi-T (Hefei) Chemical Co., Ltd. provides high-quality dichlorobenzyl alcohol with consistent purity, full documentation, and reliable global supply. For technical inquiries or bulk purchasing, please contact info@blitchem.com.

What Is Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol?

2,4-Dichlorobenzyl alcohol (DCBA) is a halobenzyl alcohol (IUPAC: methyl(2,4-dichlorophenyl)methanol) have antibacterial properties and it is widely used as a mild disinfectant and is often used in combination with other active ingredients to enhance disinfection effects.

• Chemical Name: 2,4-Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol,Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol
• CAS Number: 1777-82-8
• Molecular Formula: C₇H₆Cl₂O
• Molecular Weight: 177.03 g/mol
• Appearance: White crystalline powder
• Odor: Slight aromatic odor
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohols and organic solvents

In its pure form it is a white crystalline solid (melting point ~55–60℃). DCBA’s structure consists of a benzene ring bearing two chlorine atoms (at the 2- and 4- positions) and a hydroxymethyl side chain.

It is slightly soluble in water (≈1 g/L at ambient conditions) and freely soluble in organic solvents (methanol, chloroform, etc.). These make DCBA suitable for formulation in lozenges, sprays, and creams.

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is valued for its chemical stability, low volatility, and effective antimicrobial performance in both aqueous and semi-solid formulations.

Is Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol Safe?

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is considered safe when used within regulated concentration limits. It has a long history of use in over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, especially throat lozenges and oral antiseptics.

Safety Profile Highlights:

• Approved for use in pharmaceutical and oral care products in many countries
• Effective at low concentrations, reducing formulation risk
• Non-volatile and stable under normal storage conditions
• Widely used in products intended for short-term oral exposure

Acute and subacute toxicity

• The acute LD50 of dichlorobenzyl alcohol in rats is 3000 mg/kg, and the acute LD50 in mice is 2300 mg/kg. According to the acute toxicity classification standard, it is classified as a low-toxicity substance.
• Rats were administered 500 mg/kg orally for 3 weeks, and guinea pigs were administered 1.2 mg/(kg·d) orally for 4 weeks. The toxicity results were negative in both cases.

Irritating

• Guinea pig skin irritation tests showed that 1% dichlorobenzyl alcohol did not cause irritation, while 5% did.
• Normal individuals showed no irritation after continuous use of a face cream containing 2.5% dichlorobenzyl alcohol for 8 days; however, application to broken skin caused a slight stinging sensation.
• Rabbit eye irritation tests showed that 0.05% and 0.1% dichlorobenzyl alcohol did not cause eye irritation 2 hours after application, while concentrations of 0.5% and 1% caused mild irritation.

Allergenicity

• Formulations containing 2% (acetone as solvent), 0.1% (water as solvent), and 2.5% (cream) of dichlorobenzyl alcohol did not cause sensitization reactions in guinea pig skin.
• According to relevant research results, the sensitization rate of dichlorobenzyl alcohol is lower than that of preservatives such as s benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, nipaquinone, DP300, and germ.

Teratogenicity

• Rabbits were given dichlorobenzyl alcohol orally at a dose of 20 mg/(kg·d), and the results were negative.

The above content was compiled by the BLIT CHEMICAL technical team based on their research and review of relevant literature.

As with all antimicrobial actives, usage levels must comply with local regulatory requirements. Finished products should undergo appropriate safety and efficacy evaluations.

Antimicrobial Mechanism of Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol

DCBA is a broad-spectrum antiseptic. Its mechanism is not highly specific, but studies suggest it disrupts microbial membranes and can denature proteins. Key points on its antimicrobial action:

• Broad-spectrum activity: Laboratory tests show that DCBA can kill or inhibit a wide range of microorganisms. It is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as some viruses involved in throat infections]. Anecdotally, it has activity against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus spp. in the throat. It also helps control yeast/fungal contamination in personal care products.
• Duration of action: The antimicrobial effect of DCBA in the mouth is rapid but transient. For example, DCBA-containing toothpaste maintained bacterial inhibition on dental plaque for up to 10 minutes after use. This indicates DCBA remains on mucosal surfaces briefly, contributing to cleansing.

Disrupting microbial cell membrane integrity

Inhibiting essential enzymatic activity in bacteria

Reducing bacterial adhesion and colonization

This mechanism makes dichlorobenzyl alcohol particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, which are commonly associated with throat and oral infections.

In summary, DCBA acts as a contact antiseptic: it must physically coat microbes to kill or inactivate them. It is not systemically absorbed or active in the bloodstream. Its efficacy is greatest in acidic formulations (most throat lozenges are mildly acidic) which keep DCBA non-ionized and better able to penetrate microbial cells. Its action is enhanced by co-antiseptics like amylmetacresol or benzoic acid

Applications of Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol

1. Pharmaceutical Applications

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is widely used in OTC pharmaceutical formulations, especially:

• Throat lozenges
• Throat sprays
• Oral antiseptic solutions

It is often combined with other actives (such as amylmetacresol) to deliver fast-acting relief from sore throat symptoms.

2. Oral Care Products

In oral hygiene formulations, dichlorobenzyl alcohol contributes to antimicrobial protection:

• Mouthwashes
• Oral sprays
• Breath-freshening products

Its stability and compatibility make it suitable for alcohol-based and non-alcohol oral care systems.

3. Personal Care & Hygiene Products

Preservative in cosmetics: DCBA is listed in Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation as an approved preservative (with a maximum allowed concentration around 0.15% w/w). It is used in products like mouthwashes, aftershaves, lotions, shampoos, and hand cleansers, where low levels of DCBA help inhibit microbial growth.

Skin antiseptics and disinfectants: In personal care, DCBA may be included in antiseptic creams, rubs, and sprays. For example, it is sometimes used in throat lozenge–type formulations that double as skin or surface disinfectants in medical environments. Its broad antimicrobial spectrum makes it effective for topical antisepsis.

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol may also be used in:

• Antibacterial gels
• Topical hygiene products
• Specialty antiseptic formulations

Its reliable antimicrobial performance makes it a useful ingredient in hygiene-focused consumer products.In Europe and many Asian countries, DCBA is allowed in any product category at ≤0.15%.

BLIT Chemical offers high-purity 2,4-DCBA with detailed specs, COA and MSDS, and supplies global cosmetic and pharmaceutical clients – contact info@blitchem.com for sourcing.

Formulation Advantages

Compared with some traditional preservatives and antiseptics, dichlorobenzyl alcohol offers:

• High antimicrobial efficiency at low dosage
• Good formulation compatibility
• Low impact on odor and taste (important for oral products)
• Stable shelf life

These advantages make it suitable for both pharmaceutical-grade and personal care-grade formulations.

BLiT Chemical’s DCBA meet high-purity pharma or cosmetic standards. We provide good with certificates of analysis (COA) confirming >99% purity and low impurity levels.

Quality & Manufacturing Considerations

High-quality dichlorobenzyl alcohol should meet strict quality requirements:

• High purity with controlled chlorinated impurities
• Tight control of residual solvents
• Consistent crystal form and particle size

BLi-T (Hefei) Chemical Co., Ltd. supplies dichlorobenzyl alcohol with full COA, MSDS, and TDS, ensuring reliable quality for regulated applications.

Why Choose BLi-T (Hefei) Chemical Co., Ltd.?

BLi-T (Hefei) Chemical Co., Ltd. is an experienced supplier of specialty chemicals for pharmaceutical and personal care industries.

BLIT Chemical Factory Advantages:

• R&D: Our core I&R team possesses extensive innovative R&D experience in areas such as active small molecule development, plant extraction, and bio-fermentation. Furthermore, the addition of numerous outstanding young R&D personnel brings us more innovative ideas and research directions.
• manufacturer: Our factory is equipped with hardware facilities strictly adhering to GMP standards, including a Class 100,000 cleanroom. Advanced automated production equipment effectively prevents errors and reduces contamination. The production process strictly follows GMP regulations, including material management, factory hygiene, operator training, production processes, quality control, and related document management.
• Testing: A fully equipped QC laboratory is used for testing the quality of our products. Our independent skincare product functionality research and testing evaluation center, covering over 2,000 square meters, is a national-level P2 laboratory built according to the national standard GB19498-2011 <<General Requirements for Laboratory Microbiological Safety>>, and has obtained China CMA certification. Testing scope covers physicochemical testing, microbiological testing, human efficacy, and sensory evaluation.
• Sales: Through years of channel building and market deployment, our high-quality products are consistently and stably sold worldwide.

Email: info@blitchem.com

We support customers with technical consultation, specification matching, and long-term supply solutions.

FAQs About Dichlorobenzyl Alcohol

Q1: What is dichlorobenzyl alcohol used for?

Dichlorobenzyl alcohol is mainly used as an antimicrobial agent in throat lozenges, oral sprays, mouthwashes, and antiseptic formulations.

Q2: Is dichlorobenzyl alcohol safe for oral use?

Yes, when used within regulated limits, it has a long history of safe use in OTC throat and oral care products.

Q3: What is the CAS number of dichlorobenzyl alcohol?

The most commonly used grade, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, has CAS number 1777-82-8.

Q4: Can dichlorobenzyl alcohol be used in cosmetics?

It can be used in certain hygiene and personal care products where antimicrobial protection is required, subject to local regulations.

Q5: Where can I buy pharmaceutical-grade dichlorobenzyl alcohol?

You can source pharmaceutical-grade dichlorobenzyl alcohol directly from BLi-T (Hefei) Chemical Co., Ltd. by contacting info@blitchem.com.