phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol, or 2-phenoxyethanol, is an aromatic ether and glycol ether (C8H10O2; molecular weight about 138 g/mol) used primarily as a preservative in cosmetics and personal-care products, and as a solvent in various formulations. It is produced by the hydroxyethylation of phenol with ethylene oxide, yielding a molecule in which a phenyl ring is linked through an ether oxygen to a two-carbon hydroxyethyl chain.

Phenoxyethanol is widely employed as a preservative because of its antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi; it is often used in combination with other preservatives. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents, and is commonly found in creams, lotions, shampoos, and liquid soaps, as well as some sunscreens and baby-care products in regions where it is permitted.

Safety and regulation: In many jurisdictions, phenoxyethanol is approved for use in cosmetics at low to moderate concentrations, typically up to 1% by weight in finished products. Safety assessments have generally concluded it is safe for use at such levels, though rare cases of skin irritation or contact allergy have been reported. It should be avoided on damaged skin and not used in high concentrations. As with all cosmetic ingredients, regulatory status and permitted concentrations vary by country and product category.

Sustainability and alternatives: Phenoxyethanol is commonly chosen as an alternative to some other preservatives and is considered to have a favorable balance of properties for consumer products. It is subject to regulatory controls and product-specific specifications that guide its use.