PHENOXYETHANOL

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has been used as a preservative in cosmetic products for decades. Phenoxyethanol has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and is effective against various gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria as well as yeasts, while having only a weak inhibitory effect on the resident skin flora. (1)According to the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, phenoxyethanol is safe for all consumers (including children of all ages) when used as a preservative in cosmetic products at a maximum concentration of 1%. It can be considered one of the most compatible preservatives in cosmetic products. (1)

(1) Dréno, B.,Zuberbier, T.,Gelmetti, C.,Gontijo, G.,& Marinovich, M. (2019). Safety review of phenoxyethanol when used as a preservative in cosmetics. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: JEADV, 33 Suppl 7, 15–24.