Phenoxyethanol
Broad-spectrum preservative that has replaced parabens in many formulas. Effective against gram-negative bacteria. EU regulatory limit is 1%.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Oily, Dry, Sensitive, Combination, Normal
About this ingredient
Phenoxyethanol is an aromatic alcohol, the ester of ethylene glycol and phenol. One of the most widely used preservatives in 21st-century cosmetics, having replaced parabens in many formulas. Where applied. Creams, serums, toners, micellar water, shampoos, shower gels (0.3-1%). Often paired with ethylhexylglycerin or caprylyl glycol. Standard preservative in Bioderma, La Roche-Posay, Avène, Vichy, Eucerin, CeraVe. Mechanism. Suppresses gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas), gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi. Weaker than parabens against yeasts and moulds – typically used in combination. Regulation. SCCS confirmed phenoxyethanol safety in 2016 and 2020. EU Annex V: 1% maximum across all product types. Japan allows up to 1%, FDA up to 1% in leave-on. ANSM (France) restricted phenoxyethanol in products for children under 3 in 2012 – the SCCS 2020 review lifted that restriction for children older than 6 months. Controversy. Anti-preservative campaigns regularly target phenoxyethanol. SCCS 2016/2020 responded: at 1%, transdermal absorption is below 0.1 mg/kg/day – significantly below the NOAEL of 100 mg/kg/day in systemic studies. Contact dermatitis is reported in 0.1-0.3% of patients (Schnuch 2018). Pregnancy and lactation – safe. EU and AAP impose no restrictions. Suitable at any stage, including breast products during lactation (finished concentration 0.5-1%, systemic absorption negligible).
Frequently asked questions
Is Phenoxyethanol safe during pregnancy?
Phenoxyethanol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Phenoxyethanol for?
Phenoxyethanol suits: oily, dry, sensitive, combination, normal.
What is Phenoxyethanol and what does it do in cosmetics?
Broad-spectrum preservative that has replaced parabens in many formulas.
What's the INCI name for Phenoxyethanol?
The INCI name is Phenoxyethanol. It may also appear as: Phenoxy Ethanol.
See Phenoxyethanol in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Phenylpropanol, Phosphate Buffered Saline, Phosphonic Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Cocoyl Amino Acids, Acetyl Cedrene, CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), Isoceteth-20
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