DOWANOL EP

Dowanol EP is an organic chemical compound, a glycol ether often used in dermatological products such as skin creams and sunscreen. 
Dowanol EP is a colorless oily liquid. 
Dowanol EP is a bactericide (usually used in conjunction with quaternary ammonium compounds). 

CAS Number: 122-99-6
Molecular Formula: C8H10O2
Molecular Weight: 138.16
EINECS Number: 204-589-7

Synonyms: 2-PHENOXYETHANOL, Phenoxyethanol, 122-99-6, Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, Phenyl cellosolve, Phenoxethol, Phenoxytol, Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-, 2-Phenoxyethan-1-Ol, Phenoxetol, Ethylene glycol phenyl ether, Rose ether, Phenoxyethyl alcohol, 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane, Arosol, Phenylmonoglycol ether, 2-Phenoxyethyl alcohol, Dowanol EP, Dowanol EPH, Glycol monophenyl ether, 2-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether, Emeressence 1160, Fenyl-cellosolve, 2-Fenoxyethanol, Fenylcelosolv, Emery 6705, beta-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether, EGMPE, Dalpad A, Plastiazan-41, beta-Phenoxyethanol, DTXSID9021976, Newpol EFP, NSC-1864, HIE492ZZ3T, FEMA NO. 4620, DTXCID401976, CHEBI:64275, CPAP WIPES, VAXOL PURI, RefChem:55846, beta-Phenoxyethyl alcohol, MELAO DEODORANT Cream, MELAO COLOR HAIR WAX, 204-589-7, 2-Phenoxy-ethanol, MFCD00002857, Phenylglycol, 9004-78-8, .beta.-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether, NSC 1864, Phenoxyethanol [NF], Ethylene glycol-monophenyl ether, PHE-G, .beta.-Phenoxyethyl alcohol, 2-Phenoxyethyl--d4 Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol (NF), NCGC00090731-01, NCGC00090731-05, Fenylcelosolv [Czech], 2-Fenoxyethanol [Czech], Fenyl-cellosolve [Czech], Plastiazan-41 [Russian], CAS-122-99-6, .beta.-Phenoxyethanol, HSDB 5595, EINECS 204-589-7, UNII-HIE492ZZ3T, BRN 1364011, AI3-00752()C, phenylcellosolve, CCRIS 9481, Ethoxylated phenol, 2-phenyloxyethanol, 2-phenoxy ethanol, Phenoxyethanol CRS, 2-(phenoxy)ethanol, Domiphen Impurity 4, 2-phenoxy-1-ethanol, beta-phenoxyethylalcohol, starbld0047047, PHE-S, 2-Phenoxyethanol, 9CI, 2-Phenoxyethanol, 99%, Phenoxyethanol (Standard), WLN: Q2OR, EC 204-589-7, PHENOXYETHANOL [II], 2-Phenoxyethanol-1,1-d2, SCHEMBL15708, SCHEMBL57755, 2-Phenoxyethanol, >=99%, PHENOXYETHANOL [HSDB], 4-06-00-00571 (Beilstein Handbook Reference), MLS002174254, ethyleneglycol monophenyl ether, Euxyl K 400 (Salt/Mix), ProClin® 8020 preservatives, SCHEMBL194335, SCHEMBL348920, SCHEMBL348921, Ethyleneglycol-monophenyl ether, 2-PHENOXYETHANOL [MI], PHENOXYETHANOL [MART.], orb1306704, orb3025203, SCHEMBL1679226, SCHEMBL4072387, SCHEMBL6721192, SCHEMBL8371561, SCHEMBL8535485, PHENOXYETHANOL [USP-RS], PHENOXYETHANOL [WHO-DD], CHEMBL1229846, SCHEMBL10611874, SCHEMBL10873485, SCHEMBL11659790, HY-B1729R, MSK2538, NSC1864, HMS2268A20, BB_SC-02741, HY-B1729, STR04582, WAA27338, Tox21_111002, Tox21_113532, Tox21_202111, Tox21_300842, BBL027410, EBC-26080, PHENOXYETHANOL [EP MONOGRAPH], SBB060485, STK802556, 2-Phenoxyethanol, analytical standard, Fungal Terminator [veterinary] (TN), AKOS000118741, Tox21_111002_1, DB11304, FP31791, NCGC00090731-02, NCGC00090731-03, NCGC00090731-04, NCGC00090731-06, NCGC00090731-07, NCGC00090731-08, NCGC00254745-01, NCGC00259660-01, 56257-90-0, DA-76810, Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, >=90%, SMR000112131, ETHANOL,2-PHENOXY MFC8 H10 O2, CS-0013737, NS00002984, P0115, P1953, ST51046662, EN300-19339, 2-Phenoxyethanol, tested according to Ph.Eur., D08359, G74506, SBI-0653920.0001, F005091, Q418038, SR-01000838345, SR-01000838345-2, F1905-6997, Z104473570, Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, SAJ first grade, >=95.0%, Phenoxyethanol, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard, Phenoxyethanol, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard, InChI=1/C8H10O2/c9-6-7-10-8-4-2-1-3-5-8/h1-5,9H,6-7H, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material, Ethylene Glycol Monophenyl Ether Phenyl Cellosolve Phenyl Glycol;ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOPHENYL ETHER FOR SYN;(2-Hydroxyethoxy)benzene;PhG;Protectol PE;ACETONITRILE ACS GRADE;beta-Phenoxyethanol;beta-phenoxyethanol[qr]

Dowanol EP is used in many applications such as cosmetics, vaccines and pharmaceuticals as a preservative.
Dowanol EP is the organic compound with the formula C6H5OC2H4OH. 
Dowanol EP can be classified as a glycol ether and a phenol ether. 

Dowanol EP is a common preservative in vaccine formulations.
Dowanol EP has a faint rose-like aroma.
Dowanol EP is a trade name used by Dow Chemical for 2-phenoxyethanol, an aromatic glycol ether with the chemical formula C₈H₁₀O₂.

It is a colorless, slightly oily liquid with a mild, rose-like odor and good solvent properties.
Dowanol EP is valued for its balance of water solubility and organic solvency.
Chemically, Dowanol EP consists of a phenyl ring linked to an ethylene glycol moiety.

This structure gives it both hydrophilic and lipophilic character, allowing it to dissolve a wide range of resins, oils, and active ingredients.
Dowanol EP is relatively stable under normal storage and processing conditions.
Physically, Dowanol EP has a high boiling point and low vapor pressure compared to many organic solvents.

These properties reduce evaporation losses and improve handling safety in industrial formulations.
Dowanol EP also acts as a coalescing agent in water-based systems.
In industrial applications, Dowanol EP is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, inks, and surface treatments.

It improves flow, leveling, and film formation, especially in water-borne coatings.
Its compatibility with many polymers makes it useful in both industrial and consumer formulations.
In personal care and cosmetic products, Dowanol EP functions as a preservative solvent and stabilizer.

Dowanol EP helps dissolve fragrances, preservatives, and active ingredients while maintaining product clarity.
For this reason, it appears in creams, lotions, deodorants, wipes, and hair products.

In household and institutional products, Dowanol EP is used in disinfectants, detergents, and cleaning formulations.
Dowanol EP enhances antimicrobial performance by improving solubility and penetration of active agents.
It is also used in pharmaceutical and medical device cleaning solutions.

Toxicological and safety considerations show that Dowanol EP has relatively low acute toxicity at regulated concentrations.
However, it can cause skin or eye irritation at higher levels and should be handled with appropriate protective measures.
Its use is regulated in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products to ensure safe exposure limits.

Dowanol EP is best described as a high-performance solvent grade of phenoxyethanol.
Its versatility across coatings, cosmetics, cleaners, and industrial chemistry explains its widespread adoption.
Dowanol EP remains an important formulation ingredient under controlled and regulated use.

Dowanol EP is a commercial solvent grade of 2-phenoxyethanol, marketed primarily for industrial and formulation use.
It belongs to the glycol ether family and combines an aromatic ring with an ether–alcohol functional group.
This structure gives Dowanol EP excellent solvency across both polar and non-polar systems.

Melting point: 11–13 °C (lit.)
Boiling point: 247 °C (lit.)
Density: 1.102 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Vapor density: 4.8 (vs air)
Vapor pressure: 0.01 mm Hg (20 °C)
Refractive index: n20/D 1.539
FEMA: 4620 | 2-Phenoxyethanol
Flash point: >230 °F
Storage temp.: Store below +30 °C
Solubility: Soluble; clear; colorless to very faintly yellow
pKa: 14.36 ± 0.10 (predicted)
Form: Liquid
Color: Clear, colorless
Specific gravity: 1.109 (20/4 °C)
pH: 7 (10 g/L, H₂O, 23 °C)
Odor: Faint aromatic odor
pH range: 7 at 10 g/L at 23 °C
Odor type: Floral
Viscosity: 29 mm²/s (20 °C)
Explosive limit: 1.4–9.0% (V)
Water solubility: 30 g/L (20 °C)
Merck: 14,7257
BRN: 1364011
Major application: Environmental
Cosmetics ingredients functions: Antimicrobial; preservative
InChI: 1S/C8H10O2/c9-6-7-10-8-4-2-1-3-5-8/h1-5,9H,6-7H2
InChIKey: QCDWFXQBSFUVSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: OCCOc1ccccc1
LogP: 1.2 at 23 °C

Dowanol EP is a tried-and-tested preservative, which is welltolerated by the skin and has a low allergy risk. 
Dowanol EP can be used over a wide pH range. 
This means that other preservatives can lose their effectiveness if the product is not within the right pH range. 

Dowanol EP does not smell unpleasant or change the color of the product, which can be the case when using natural antimicrobial substances.
Dowanol EP is an aromatic, slow-evaporating glycol ether. 
It can be used in dyeing synthetic fibers, both as a dye solubilizer and as a dye carrier. 

Dowanol EP is also a very efficient coalescing agent. 
It finds additional uses in cosmetics and cleaning products. 
It is effective in the formulation of homogeneous, stable metal working fluids.

Dowanol EP has the molecular formula C₈H₁₀O₂ and a molecular weight of about 138.16 g/mol.
The phenyl group contributes strong organic solvency, while the ethylene glycol segment provides partial water miscibility.
As a result, it functions effectively as a bridging solvent between aqueous and organic phases.

Physically, Dowanol EP is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a mild, characteristic odor often described as rose-like.
Dowanol EP has a relatively high boiling point and low vapor pressure, which minimizes evaporation during processing.
These properties improve worker safety and reduce solvent loss compared with more volatile alternatives.

In coatings and surface technology, Dowanol EP is widely used in water-borne and solvent-borne paints, inks, and varnishes.
Dowanol EP enhances flow, leveling, gloss development, and film uniformity.
It also acts as a coalescing aid, improving polymer particle fusion during drying.

In adhesives, sealants, and resins, Dowanol EP serves as a solvent and formulation stabilizer.
Dowanol EP helps dissolve resins, plasticizers, and functional additives without causing phase separation.
This improves shelf stability and application consistency.

In personal care and cosmetic formulations, Dowanol EP (as phenoxyethanol) is commonly used as a preservative solvent and antimicrobial support agent.
Dowanol EP solubilizes fragrances, preservatives, and active ingredients while maintaining clarity and texture.
Typical products include creams, lotions, wipes, deodorants, and hair-care formulations.

In household, institutional, and industrial cleaning products, Dowanol EP enhances the performance of disinfectants and detergents.
Dowanol EP improves wetting, penetration, and dissolution of soils and microorganisms.
This makes it valuable in hard-surface cleaners, sanitizers, and medical-grade wipes.

Pharmaceutical and medical relevance includes use as a formulation aid and preservative component in topical and non-injectable products.
Dowanol EP is also used in medical device cleaning and disinfection systems.
Such applications are strictly controlled to meet pharmacopoeial standards.

Toxicological characteristics indicate low acute toxicity when used within regulated limits.
However, concentrated exposure may cause skin or eye irritation, and ingestion or prolonged exposure is not recommended.
Occupational handling typically requires gloves, eye protection, and adequate ventilation.

Regulatory status allows Dowanol EP to be used globally under defined concentration limits.
Dowanol EP appears in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial regulations such as EU Cosmetic Regulation and USP/EP monographs.
Compliance depends on purity grade, application type, and exposure route.

Dowanol EP is a high-purity, performance-oriented phenoxyethanol solvent grade.
Its balance of solvency, stability, and compatibility makes it valuable across coatings, cosmetics, cleaners, and specialty chemicals.
Dowanol EP remains a widely used formulation ingredient where controlled, reliable solvent performance is required.

Dowanol EP is an aromatic ether that is phenol substituted on oxygen by a 2-hydroxyethyl group. 
It has a role as an antiinfective agent and a central nervous system depressant. 
Dowanol EP is a primary alcohol, a glycol ether and an aromatic ether. 

Dowanol EP is functionally related to a phenol.
Dowanol EP may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. 
May generate flammable and/or toxic gases with alkali metals, nitrides, and other strong reducing agents. 

May initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
Dowanol EP is an antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics and topical pharmaceutical formulations at a concentration of 0.5–1.0%; it may also be used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent for vaccines.

Therapeutically, a 2.2% solution or 2.0% cream has been used as a disinfectant for superficial wounds, burns, and minor infections of the skin and mucous membranes.
Dowanol EP has a narrow spectrum of activity and is thus frequently used in combination with other preservatives,

Uses Of Dowanol EP:
Dowanol EP at a 1.0% level acts as a preservative in personal care products.
Dowanol EP is widely used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and inks, particularly in water-borne and hybrid formulations.
It improves resin solubility, flow, leveling, and film formation, leading to smoother and more uniform coatings.

Dowanol EPs low volatility helps reduce drying defects and solvent loss during application.
In adhesives, sealants, and resin systems, Dowanol EP functions as a formulation solvent and stabilizer.
It enhances compatibility between polymers, plasticizers, and functional additives.

This results in improved shelf life and consistent application performance.
Dowanol EP is commonly used in personal care and cosmetic products as a preservative solvent and formulation aid.
It helps dissolve fragrances, preservatives, and active ingredients while maintaining clarity and stability.

Typical applications include creams, lotions, wipes, deodorants, and hair-care products.
In household, institutional, and industrial cleaners, Dowanol EP improves cleaning efficiency and antimicrobial performance.
It enhances wetting and penetration, allowing active ingredients to act more effectively on surfaces.

This makes it suitable for disinfectants, detergents, and sanitizing wipes.
In pharmaceutical and medical products, Dowanol EP is used as a solvent and preservative component in topical formulations.

Dowanol EP also appears in medical-grade cleaning and disinfection solutions for equipment and devices.
Such uses require compliance with pharmacopoeial purity standards.

Dowanol EP is applied in agricultural and specialty chemical formulations as a carrier and solubilizing agent.
It helps disperse active ingredients evenly in sprayable or emulsified products.
This improves formulation stability and delivery efficiency.

In industrial processing and manufacturing, Dowanol EP is used in metalworking fluids, surface treatments, and specialty formulations.
It provides controlled solvency without excessive evaporation.
These properties support safer handling and consistent process performance.

Dowanol EP is a preservative used in consumer and health care products, including vaccines, pen inks, ear drops, shampoos, skin cleansers, moisturizers, sun care products, and topical medicaments. 
The preservative Euxyl-K 400 also contains Dowanol EP, in combination with methyldibromoglutaronitrile.
Dowanol EP is commonly used in cosmetics for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Dowanol EP is increasingly being used in vaccines as a substitute for thiomersal and is also a component of pen inks and, more rarely, ear drops.Reactions to phenoxyethanol have rarely been reported. 
Three cases of CoU induced by phenoxyethanol in cosmetics have been reported.2-Phenoxyethanol is used as a single agent and in combination with other preservatives such as 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane (Euxyl K 400) and parabens, or in conjunction with quaternary ammonium compounds.
The possibility of immunological IgE-mediated reaction could not be confirmed because specific IgE against 2-phenoxyethanol was negative.

Dowanol EP is a broad-range preservative with fungicidal, bactericidal, insecticidal, and germicidal properties. 
It has a relatively low sensitizing factor in leave-on cosmetics. Phenoxyethanol can be used in concentrations of 0.5 to 2.0 percent, and in combination with other preservatives such as sorbic acid or parabens. 
In addition, it is used as a solvent for aftershaves, face and hair lotions, shampoos, and skin creams of all types. 

Dowanol EP can be obtained from phenol.
Antimicrobial preservative; also used topically in treatment of bacterial infections.
Dowanol EP has germicidal and germistatic properties.

Dowanol EP is often used together with quaternary ammonium compounds.
Dowanol EP is used as a perfume fixative; an insect repellent; an antiseptic; a solvent for cellulose acetate, dyes, inks, and resins; a preservative for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and lubricants; an anesthetic in fish aquaculture; and in organic synthesis.

Dowanol EP is an alternative to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
In Japan and the European Union, its concentration in cosmetics is restricted to 1%.

Safety Profile Of Dowanol EP:
Moderately toxic by ingestion and skin contact. 
A skin and severe eye irritant mutation data reported. 
Some glycol ethers have dangerous human reproductive effects, combustible when exposed to heat or flame; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. 

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Dowanol EP presents skin and eye irritation hazards at moderate to high concentrations.
Direct contact may cause redness, irritation, or discomfort, particularly with prolonged exposure.

Protective gloves and eye protection are recommended during industrial handling.
Inhalation exposure to high vapor concentrations can cause respiratory irritation and mild central nervous system effects.

Dowanol EP symptoms may include headache, dizziness, or nausea in poorly ventilated environments.
Although its vapor pressure is relatively low, adequate ventilation is still required during large-scale use.

Ingestion hazards involve potential gastrointestinal irritation and systemic toxicity at high doses.
Dowanol EP animal studies indicate moderate acute toxicity if swallowed in concentrated form.
Accidental ingestion in industrial settings should be treated as a medical emergency.