Phenoxyethanol in Skincare

Effects: Antiseptic

Phenoxyethanol is one of the most popular preservatives. It kills bacteria and makes the product live longer. Manufacturers like this ingredient because it can dissolve in any liquid, even in oils.

Another purpose of this component is the fixation of aromas in perfumery. Phenoxyethanol is also used as a strong antiseptic and a good antibacterial agent. It is widely used in dermatological cosmetics alongside natural antiseptics such as chamomile, sage, and calendula.

Safety

Like many other preservatives, Phenoxyethanol is a strong chemical. European Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 allows this component in cosmetics at a maximum concentration of 1%. Clinical studies showed that the component doesn’t irritate the skin and doesn’t make it sensitive. According to the CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 it’s not toxic.

CIR Safety Report

Safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the present practices of use and concentration. It's non-toxic and it doesn't irritate skin. Commonly used in a concentration between 0.004% - 1% in skincare products. However, this expert panel took place in 2011 and no up-to date information is available.

Comedogenicity: 0
0
1
2
3
4
5

Production

Phenoxyethanol can be found naturally, but it is usually synthesized for commercial use.

Products with Phenoxyethanol

Total found: 9258

Positioning

0.1%
2
0.2%
3
0.8%
4
1.5%
5
2.6%
6
3.2%
7
3.2%
8
3.9%
9
4.1%
10
3.9%
11
3.8%
12
4.1%
13
3.9%
14
3.8%
15
3.6%
16
3.8%
17
3.5%
18
3.1%
19
3.2%
20
2.9%
21
2.5%
22
2.3%
23
2.3%
24
2.2%
25
2.1%
26
2.2%
27
1.9%
28
1.5%
29
1.8%
30
1.6%
31
1.4%
32
1.4%
33
1.2%
34
1.1%
35
1.1%
36
1.2%
37
1%
38
0.9%
39
0.9%
40
0.8%
41
0.8%
42
0.7%
43
0.7%
44
0.5%
45
0.5%
46
0.4%
47
0.5%
48
0.4%
49
0.4%
50
0.4%
51
0.4%
52
0.3%
53
0.3%
54
0.2%
55
0.3%
56
0.1%
57
0.1%
58
0.2%
59
0.2%
60
0.2%
61
0.2%
62
0.2%
63
0.1%
64
0.1%
65
0.1%
66
0.1%
67
0.1%
68
0.1%
69
0.1%
70
0.1%
71
0.1%
72
0.1%
73
0.1%
74
0%
75
0%
76
0%
77
0%
78
0%
79
0%
80
0%
83
0%
84
0%
85
0%
86
0%
87
0%
88
0%
89
0%
91
0%
94
0%
97
0%
103
0%
106
0%
110
0%
111
0%
120
0%
151
0%
182
Skin Signal
2023 - 2024

The most advanced ingredient checker and cosmetics analyzer. Take a look "inside" the skincare products you use every day.

Disclaimer: All the information on the website is not a medical advice. Visit a doctor if you have problems.

Privacy policy Terms of Service