What is benzly alcohol?

Benzyl alcohol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₇H₈O. It is a colorless, fragrant liquid that serves as a solvent, preservative, and fragrance ingredient in various products, including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Benzyl alcohol is also used in the synthesis of other chemicals and as a local anesthetic in some medical applications. Additionally, it occurs naturally in some essential oils, such as jasmine and hyacinth.