Authority source
Safety basis
No clear authority source is available in this profile yet.
Phenoxyethanol
PEPhenoxyethanol (and) EthanolPhenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol is a liquid chemical that helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in products. It's often used in cosmetics and personal care products to keep them fresh and safe to use.
What it is
Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic liquid ester that acts as a bactericide and fungicide.
Found in
cosmetics, personal care products, skincare, haircare, fragrances
The concern
High concentrations of phenoxyethanol may cause skin irritation, such as redness and itching, in some individuals.
Legal status
Authorized for use in cosmetics and personal care products in the EU and US, subject to concentration limits.
Low Concern
Phenoxyethanol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, but high concentrations may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Evidence & sources
Article / explainer
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Video explainer
What is Phenoxyethanol? Is it Safe? How’s it made?
Video
Million Dollar Batchmaker
Watch videoCommunity questions
Community questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.
Related ingredient guides
Compare this ingredient with related ingredients and common alternatives.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Another preservative in the reviewed ingredient set.
Benzyl Alcohol
Another preservative in the reviewed ingredient set.
Citric Acid
Another preservative in the reviewed ingredient set.
Methylparaben
Another preservative in the reviewed ingredient set.
Parabens
Another preservative in the reviewed ingredient set.
Potassium Sorbate
Another preservative in the reviewed ingredient set.
Last updated: June 8, 2026