Benzyl Alcohol and Acetic Acid are both colorless liquids with distinct smells. Both have a wide range of benefits of uses at home and in the medical settings. Understanding the difference between benzyl alcohol and acetic acid helps you determine which one is the best for your specific needs. What is Benzyl Alcohol? Benzyl alcohol is in the clear bottle most people keep in their medicine cabinets for emergencies. You know the familiar burn of its effectiveness. Benzyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a distinct odor. These features of benzyl alcohol make it an ideal ingredient for many uses. The molecular formula for benzyl alcohol is C7H8O. You may also see it as C6H5CH2OH. In Benzyl Alcohol natural? Benzyl alcohol can be produced a couple of different ways – naturally and in the lab. Natural occurring benzyl alcohol I found in plants. Essential oils, fruits, and teas are where you are can find natural benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol is also produced in the lab. This allows it to be created for uses in healthcare settings and homes. What are the uses of Benzyl Alcohol Benzyl alcohol is a simple solution for many uses around your home, in manufacturing, and in the medical field. The mild odor, low toxicity, and solubility are just a few reasons why so many people seek the product. It is also an affordable antiseptic and additive. One of the most common uses for benzyl alcohol is using it as an antiseptic. Other uses of benzyl alcohol include: Non-toxic cleaning solution Disinfectant Antimicrobial As an additive to research chemical and dyes Food additive As part of an injectable medical solution To prep an area before giving an injection Many body builders use a solution of oil, benzyl alcohol, and lidocaine. The solution is often injected directly into small muscle groups for an immediate bulking appearance. What is Acetic Acid? Acetic acid has a few chemical names. You might see it as ethanoic acid, glacial acetic acid, and our favorite – vinegar. It is a simple carboxylic acid. Which means it is an organic compound that contains the (C(=O)OH) group (carbonyl). These acids are more acidic than alcohols. Once an acetic acid gives away a proton, it is resonance stabilized. That is enough of the chemistry refresher. Let’s talk about the uses of acetic acid. Is acetic acid natural? It is both natural and synthetic. In its natural form, acetic acid is produced and excreted by bacteria. If you want to see the production of acetic acid in motion, the bacteria are found in human vaginal lubrication, water, soil, and un food as they spoil. Acetic acid is also a synthetic that offers users many therapeutic and industrial uses. What is acetic acid used for? In the food industry, acetic acid is added to certain products to reduce acidity. Yes, acid is added to control acid. Acetic acid is also highly desired for its antibacterial and antifungal assets. Acetic acid may be used as an anti-irritant as well. Additional uses for acetic acid include: Descaling agent To produce phot film For synthetic woods, fibers, and fabrics As a food additive As a solvent To make vinegar Medical uses of acetic acid include using it as an antiseptic against staphylococci and streptococci. In some countries, it is used for cervical cancer screening purposes. Bodybuilders use acetic acid to mix with SARMs and other compounds to dilute the potency and balance pH level. They use acid-base titration labs to measure a neutral pH balance. It has also been used to reconstitute peptides to be injected into the body for increases fat burning.