A well-studied glycol ether preservative found in nearly 45,000 products in our database. The SCCS (2016) confirmed it is safe at the maximum permitted concentration of 1.0% for all age groups, including children and infants. CIR also rated it "Safe as Used." Despite GHS hazard classifications based on high-dose animal studies, Phenoxyethanol has an excellent safety profile at cosmetic use levels.
Phenoxyethanol acts as a preservative in skincare formulations to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, helping extend product shelf life and maintain safety. Commonly used as an alternative to parabens in cosmetic products. Generally considered safe for most users, though some individuals may experience mild skin irritation or sensitivity reactions.
Chemically, Phenoxyethanol (2-Phenoxyethanol) is a glycol ether — an aromatic alcohol with the molecular formula C₈H₁₀O₂. The Phenoxyethanol used in cosmetics is synthetically produced, though trace amounts have been detected in some natural sources. It is a colourless, slightly viscous liquid that is soluble in water and common organic solvents. Its vapour pressure is low to moderate, meaning some evaporation can occur when applied to skin. The SCCS (2016) noted that it functions as a broad-spectrum preservative effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as yeasts, making it one of the most versatile preservative options available to formulators.
Phenoxyethanol rose to prominence in the 2010s as consumer concern about parabens drove demand for "paraben-free" products. The SCCS conducted a thorough safety evaluation (SCCS/1575/16, October 2016, 102 pages), concluding that Phenoxyethanol is safe for use as a preservative at a maximum concentration of 1.0% for all consumer groups. After comprehensive exposure assessment and PBPK modelling, the SCCS determined that the safety margins are adequate for both adults and children — including neonates and infants — at the 1.0% maximum concentration. CIR also concluded the ingredient is "Safe as Used."
Effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as yeasts. This broad spectrum means it can protect formulations from multiple types of microbial contamination with a single preservative.
Prevents microbial growth throughout the product's lifetime, ensuring your moisturiser, serum, or sunscreen remains safe to use from the first to the last application. Without preservation, water-based cosmetics can harbour harmful bacteria within days.
Widely adopted by brands seeking "paraben-free" formulations. While parabens are also well-studied and safe at regulated levels, Phenoxyethanol offers an alternative that meets consumer demand without compromising preservation efficacy.
Soluble in water and common solvents, stable across a wide pH range, and compatible with most cosmetic ingredients. Often combined with Ethylhexylglycerin, which enhances its preservative activity, allowing lower effective concentrations.
Suitable for: All skin types. As a preservative, Phenoxyethanol is a functional ingredient present at low concentrations (typically 0.5–1.0%). It is not an active ingredient that targets specific skin concerns.
Phenoxyethanol is one of the most thoroughly evaluated cosmetic preservatives. The SCCS (2016) confirmed it is safe at 1.0% for all ages after comprehensive exposure assessment and PBPK modelling, concluding that safety margins are adequate for both adults and children. CIR rated it "Safe as Used." Skin sensitisation prevalence is low. Raw material hazard classifications (H302, H318, H335) reflect the pure substance, not the risk profile at the 1.0% cosmetic use level.
Phenoxyethanol's raw material hazard classifications primarily concern oral toxicity and eye irritation/damage. The EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI, RAC opinion) covers:
H302 — Harmful if swallowed H318 — Serious eye damage H335 — Respiratory irritation
Some safety data sheets may list additional self-classifications (e.g., H319, H336, or H361) based on individual suppliers' assessments. These are not part of the EU harmonised classification and should not be confused with it. In particular, H361 (suspected reproductive harm) sometimes appears in supplier SDS documents but is not an established harmonised classification for this substance.
Raw material hazard ≠ product risk: These classifications describe the pure substance at 100% concentration. At the 1.0% maximum cosmetic use level, the risk profile is fundamentally different. The SCCS (2016) specifically evaluated all available toxicity data — including oral, dermal, reproductive, and developmental studies — and concluded that Phenoxyethanol is safe at 1.0% for all consumer groups.
Dermal absorption is significant. The SCCS found high dermal absorption for Phenoxyethanol in leave-on and rinse-off formulations (human skin in vitro). Despite this, the overall safety margin was deemed adequate because the key toxicity study was a dermal-route study, meaning absorption is already accounted for in the safety evaluation.
Eye irritation potential. Undiluted Phenoxyethanol is classified as causing serious eye damage (H318). Avoid getting products with high preservative concentrations directly into the eyes. At the 1.0% cosmetic concentration, this is not typically a concern in properly formulated products.
French ANSM concern (2012). The French medicines agency raised concerns about Phenoxyethanol in products for children under 3. This triggered the SCCS re-evaluation, which ultimately concluded the ingredient is safe at 1.0% for all ages, including neonates.
Some safety data sheets for the raw material list H361 ("Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child") as a supplier self-classification, which can raise concern. However, this is not part of the EU harmonised classification, and the underlying data comes from high-dose animal studies far exceeding cosmetic exposure levels. The SCCS (2016) evaluated all available reproductive and developmental toxicity data — including two-generation reproductive studies and prenatal developmental toxicity studies — and concluded that Phenoxyethanol is safe at the cosmetic use level of 1.0%, with adequate safety margins for all age groups including children and infants. No reproductive effects have been observed at exposures relevant to cosmetic use. If you have concerns, consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative, not an active ingredient. You do not need to adjust your routine based on its presence. Simply use your product as directed by the brand — the preservative works silently in the background to keep your product safe from microbial contamination.
The EU limits Phenoxyethanol to 1.0% in cosmetics. If you see it listed in the lower half of the ingredient list (ingredients are listed by concentration, highest first), the concentration is likely well under 1.0%. Most products use 0.5–1.0%.
While sensitisation to Phenoxyethanol is rare, if you have very sensitive or compromised skin, patch-test any new product on your inner forearm for 48 hours before facial application. This applies to any product with any ingredient, not just Phenoxyethanol.
Water-rich formulations need effective preservation. Phenoxyethanol is commonly used at 0.5–1.0%.
Emulsion-based products are particularly susceptible to microbial contamination. Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin is a common preservation system.
SPF products exposed to heat and moisture need robust preservation. Phenoxyethanol's stability makes it a preferred choice.
A common co-preservative that enhances Phenoxyethanol's antimicrobial activity. The combination (often marketed as "Euxyl PE 9010") allows effective preservation at lower total concentrations.
Phenoxyethanol is compatible with all major active ingredients. It does not interact with or reduce the efficacy of any commonly used skincare actives.
No incompatibility. Phenoxyethanol is stable across a wide pH range and does not affect the activity of pH-sensitive actives.
Some products combine Phenoxyethanol with other preservatives (Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate) for broader spectrum coverage. This is standard formulation practice and does not indicate a safety concern.
Products marketed as preservative-free may use alternative antimicrobial strategies (high alcohol content, airless packaging, multi-dose sachets). These are not inherently safer — a product without adequate preservation can harbour harmful microbes.
If you make your own skincare, Phenoxyethanol requires careful dosing (max 1.0%) and proper pH consideration. It is most effective at pH 4–5. Consult a formulation chemist for preservation system design.
Found in 44,909 products in our database — one of the most commonly used cosmetic preservatives. Here are some well-known examples:
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