Is Phenoxyethanol a Safe Preservative? A Scientific Analysis
Is phenoxyethanol safe in cosmetics? See the SCCS assessment, EU regulations and the scientific facts. When it's fine to use and who should be cautious.
What is phenoxyethanol?
Phenoxyethanol (Phenoxyethanol) is an organic compound from the phenyl glycol family. In cosmetics it acts as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi. You'll find it in face creams, toners, serums and makeup products.
How is its concentration regulated?
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Annex V) permits phenoxyethanol as a preservative at a maximum concentration of 1%. In its opinion SCCS/1575/16 from 2016, the SCCS committee confirmed its safety for adults at up to 1% across all product types.
What does the CosIng database say?
CosIng confirms that phenoxyethanol is permitted (Annex V, entry 29). Toxicological studies have shown:
- No mutagenic or genotoxic effects
- No carcinogenic classification by ECHA
- Low sensitising potential in adults
- No xenoestrogenic activity at typical doses
When can phenoxyethanol be a problem?
Caution is advised for: people with sensitive and allergy-prone skin (contact dermatitis is possible), people using many products at once (cumulative exposure), and infants and young children (the SCCS flagged insufficient data for the under-three age group). It is especially important to monitor your skin's reaction when regularly using multiple products preserved with this compound.
Phenoxyethanol versus parabens
Short-chain parabens (methyl-, ethylparaben) have a strong safety database. Phenoxyethanol shows no hormonal activity, but cases of contact dermatitis have been reported, much as with some parabens. Neither option is harmful for a healthy adult. Read more about preservatives in our INCI ingredient encyclopaedia.
How to spot phenoxyethanol?
On the INCI list, look for the name Phenoxyethanol. Because of the 1% maximum concentration, it usually appears toward the end of the list. Its presence in creams and emulsions is standard and shouldn't be a cause for concern for healthy adults.
Summary
For healthy adults, phenoxyethanol at up to 1% is a safe preservative. The SCCS, CosIng and Regulation 1223/2009 all confirm that it is permitted. Caution is advised for reactive skin and for infants.
This article is for informational purposes only. If in doubt, consult a dermatologist.
FAQ
No. Phenoxyethanol is an approved preservative under Regulation 1223/2009 (Annex V). The maximum permitted concentration is 1%.
No. Unlike some long-chain parabens, phenoxyethanol shows no significant estrogenic activity in standard studies.
Yes, though rarely. It can trigger contact dermatitis in people with hypersensitivity. If you suspect an allergy, have a patch test done by a dermatologist.
The SCCS noted that the data for infants was insufficient. Many national agencies (e.g. ANSM in France) recommend caution for the youngest children.
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