Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used in a wide variety of cosmetic formulations as a fragrance component, preservative, solvent, and viscosity-decreasing agent. FDA agency approved benzyl alcohol for the treatment of head lice. The drug acts on head lice by inhibiting them from closing their respiratory spiracles, allowing the vehicle to obstruct the spiracles and causing the lice to asphyxiate.

Benzyl mandelate is of comparatively low toxicity on the one hand and is pharmacologically effective on the other hand. The most important pharmacological action of the drug is on smooth muscle. Benzyl mandelate has been used for its antispasmodic actions. It has also been included in preparations with analgesics in an attempt to increase the analgesic effect. Drugs with benzyl maleate were indicated for the angina prevention and for pain condition treatment.