Phenoxyethanol is a preservative compound used in many cosmetic and personal care products. Chemically, phenoxyethanol is known as a glycol ether, or in other words, a solvent. It is an oily, slightly sticky liquid substance with a slight rose-like odour. However, the evidence on whether it is safe is somewhat mixed. Many boutique cosmetic products contain phenoxyethanol. It is often used as a preservative or stabilizer for other ingredients that might otherwise spoil very quickly or become less effective. Phenoxyethanol is also used in other industries, including textiles.
On product labels this compound is commonly referred to as: phenoxyethanol, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, 2-phenoxyethanol, arosol, phenoxetol, rose ether, phenoxyethyl alcohol, or beta-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether.
Phenoxyethanol is mainly found as an ingredient in, but not limited to, the following cosmetic and hygiene products: perfume, building foundation, blush, lipstick, soaps, hand sanitizer, ultrasound gel, and more.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared this compound unsafe for breastfed infants due to concerns about how it affects the central nervous system.
Phenoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It is a glycol ether used as an insect repellent, antiseptic, solvent, preservative, and also an anesthetic. It is found both naturally and synthetically.
Phenoxyethanol has antimicrobial ability and acts as an effective preservative in pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and lubricants. In short, phenoxyethanol is the most widely used and globally accepted preservative in personal care formulations.
There are conflicting data on the safety of products containing phenoxyethanol. Most of the concerns stem from the incidents of bad skin reactions and nervous system interference recorded in infants. The FDA currently allows this ingredient to be used in cosmetics and as an indirect food additive. It is generally considered safe when applied topically at concentrations of 1 percent or less. The European Health and Food Safety Commission also considers this chemical safe when used in cosmetics at a concentration of 1 percent or less.
Our organization also provides phenoxyethanol determination services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.
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