Phenoxyethanol

The Basics On Phenoxyethanol

What is Phenoxyethanol?

Common cosmetic preservative that is considered less sensitizing.

What are other names for Phenoxyethanol?

2-HYDROXYETHYL PHENYL ETHER, 2-PHENOXY- ETHANOL, 2-PHENOXYETHANOL, 2-PHENOXYETHYL ALCOHOL, ETHANOL, 2-PHENOXY-, ETHANOL, 2PHENOXY, ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOPHENYL ETHER, PHENOXYETHANOL, and PHENOXYTOL

What is Phenoxyethanol used for?

Chemically, phenoxyethanol is a glycol ether. Glycols are a series of chemicals that have found widespread use in skincare products, primarily as solvents and cosolvents. Phenoxyethanol is commonly used as a preservative in skincare because it is a substance that has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeasts, and mold.

How Phenoxyethanol is classified

Preservatives

Recommendations for using Phenoxyethanol during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Is Phenoxyethanol safe for pregnancy? Limited data suggests no known risk

Phenoxyethanol During Pregnancy

What we know about using Phenoxyethanol while pregnant or breastfeeding

Limited information available.

Phenoxyethanol, when administered in the feed to mice, was a reproductive toxicant to F, mice. In addition, there was a dose-dependent decrease in live pup weight. Continuous exposure of the F, mice to Phenoxyethanol resulted in reduced body weights and in mortality in the mid- and high-dose groups. Phenoxyethanol in the dietwas toxic to newborn and young mice. Seminal vesicle weights were reduced in the males of the mid- and high-dose groups. Body weight gain and reproductivity/fertility were not adversely affected by Phenoxyethanol at low- and mid-dose dietary concentrations. Dermal treatment of pregnant New Zealand White rabbits with Phenoxyethanol did not result in teratogenicity, embryotoxicity, or fetotoxicity at doses up to those which were maternally toxic. No significant testicular atrophy was seen in mice after oral treatment with Phenoxyethanol.

General safety info about Phenoxyethanol from CIR

Phenoxyethanol is an aromatic ether which is used in cosmetics as a preservative at concentrations below I % and as a fixative for perfumes. According to the classification scheme of Hodge and Sterner,‚Äú’ Phenoxyethanol is practically nontoxic when administered orally or dermally to rats. In a subchronic oral toxicity study in rats of Phenoxyethanol, signs of toxicity included reduced body weights and an impaired ability to utilize feed. Increased liver, kidney, and thyroid weights were noted at necropsy in surviving rats. Undiluted Phenoxyethanol was a strong eye irritant, but was nonirritating when tested at 2.2%. Phenoxyethanol at 2.0% was a slight irritant to rabbit skin, but was neither an irritant nor sensitizer to guinea pig skin. In dermal treatment studies, Phenoxyethanol was neither teratogenic, embryotoxic, or fetotoxic at doses which were maternally toxic. Phenoxyethanol was nonmutagenic in the Ames test, with and without metabolic activition, and in the mouse micronucleus test. In clinical studies, Phenoxyethanol was neither a primary irritant nor sensitizer. Phenoxyethanol was not phototoxic in clinical studies. It is concluded that Phenoxyethanol is safe as a cosmetic ingredient in the present practices of use and concentration.

Use this, not that!

Products where you might find Phenoxyethanol

LASHFOOD Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer; alpyn beauty PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm with Bakuchiol; alpyn beauty PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer with Bakuchiol