PHENOXY ETHANOL

PHENOXY ETHANOL

CAS No. : 122-99-6

Synonyms:
2-Phenoxy ethanol; Emuclens; Erisept; ethylene glycol monophenyl ether; phenoxethol; Phenoxy ethanol; 2-Phenoxy ethanol; 122-99-6; Phenoxy ethanol; Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether; Phenyl cellosolve; Phenoxytol; Phenoxyethanol; Ethylene glycol monophenyl etherPhenoxytolarosol; Dowanol EP / EPH; Protectol PE; Emery 6705; Rose ether; 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane; β-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether; Phenyl cellosolve Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-; Phenoxethol; Phenoxyethyl alcohol; Phenoxetol; Arosol; Rose ether; Ethylene glycol phenyl ether; Phenylmonoglycol ether; 2-Phenoxyethan-1-Ol; 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane; Dowanol EP; 2-Phenoxyethyl alcohol; Glycol monophenyl ether; Fenyl-cellosolve; 2-Fenoxyethanol; 2-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether; Dowanol EPH; beta-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether; Emery 6705; Emeressence 1160; Fenylcelosolv; Phenylglycol; Marlophen P; Marlophen P 7; 2-Phenoxy-ethanol; Spermicide 741; Tritonyl 45; Ethylan HB 4; EGMPE; Fenylcelosolv [Czech]; Phenooxy alcohol; 2-Fenoxyethanol [Czech]; Fenyl-cellosolve [Czech]; Plastiazan-41 [Russian]; UNII-HIE492ZZ3T; NSC 1864; Polyoxyethylene phenol ether; Polyoxyethylene phenyl ether; beta-Phenoxy ethanol; Phenol-ethylene oxide adduct; Glycols, polyethylene, monophenyl ether; Phenoxy ethanol [NF]; Polyethylene glycol phenyl ether; .beta.-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether; HSDB 5595; Phenyl monoglycol ether; PHE-G; PHE-S; Rose ether Phenoxy ethanol; EINECS 204-589-7; FR 214; .beta.-Phenoxyethyl alcohol; alpha-Phenyl-omega-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl); BRN 1364011; AI3-00752()C; 9004-78-8; CHEBI:64275; Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), ?-phenyl-?-hydroxy-; MFCD00002857; Phenoxy ethanol (NF); Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-phenyl-omega-hydroxy-; 2-Phenoxy ethanol-1,1-d2; Erisept; Plastiazan-41; 56257-90-0; AS-122-99-6; Phenol, ethoxylated; .beta.-Phenoxy ethanol; monophenylglycol; Phenoxy ethanolum; Phenoxytolarosol; Fenoksetol, etilen glikol fenil eter; Phenoxy ethanol; fenoksi etanol; Fenoksi etanol; Phenoxy ethanol; Phenoxy ethanol; FENOKSİETANOL; PHENOKSY ETHANOL; FENOXY ETANOL; Le phénoxyéthanol; phénoxyéthanol; CCRIS 9481; Phenoxyl ethanol; arosol[qr]; 2-phenyloxyethanol; 2-phenoxy ethanol; 2-(phenoxy)ethanol; Dowanol EP / EPH; beta-phenoxyethylalcohol; ACMC-1BVYG; (2-Hydroxyethoxy)benzene; 2-Phenoxy ethanol, 99%; 2-phenoxyethylalcohol[qr]; beta-hydroxyethylphenylether; WLN: Q2OR; phenol, ethoxyliert (6eo); polyethyleneglycolphenylether; SCHEMBL15708; 2-Phenoxy ethanol, >=99%; 4-06-00-00571 (Beilstein Handbook Reference); KSC174Q0P; MLS002174254; ethyleneglycol monophenyl ether; Euxyl K 400 (Salt/Mix); beta-hydroxyethylphenylether[qr]; phenol, ethoxyliert, eo 4 mol; Jsp001544; CHEMBL1229846; phenol, ethoxyliert, eo 30 mol; Ethylene glycol mono phenyl ether; NSC1864; Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-phenyl-.omega.-hydroxy-; NSC-1864; STR04582; ZINC1577061; Phenoxyethanol; Ethylene glycol monophenyl etherPhenoxytolarosol; Dowanol EP / EPH; Protectol PE; Emery 6705; Rose ether; 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane; β-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether; Tox21_202111; LS-672; ZINC01577061; 2-Phenoxy ethanol, analytical standard; Fungal Terminator [veterinary] (TN)1; ETHANOL,2-PHENOXY MFC8 H10; 2-Phenoxy ethanol(ethyleneglycolmonophenylether); 2-Phenoxy ethanol, tested according to Ph.Eur.; Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, SAJ first grade, >=95.0%; Phenoxy ethanol, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard; Phenoxy ethanol, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard; 2-Phenoxy ethanol, pharmaceutical secondary standard; traceable to USP and PhEur; 1020398-73-5; 134367-25-2; 18249-17-7; 200260-63-5; 37220-49-8; 37813-33-5; 79586-53-1; FENOKSİETHANOL; FENOKSIETHANOL; FENOKSI ETHANOL; FENOKSİ ETHANOL; PHENOXY ETHANOL; PHENOXY ETANOL; FENOKSİ ETANOL; FENOKSI ETANOL; fenoksi ethanol; fenoksı ethanol; phenoxy ethanol; phenoxy etanol; fenoksiethanol; Phenoxy ethanol; phenoxyetanol; fenoksıethanol; Fenoksi Ethanol; Phenoxy Ethanol; Fenoksi Etanol; Phenoxy Etanol; FenoksiEthanol; Phenoxy ethanol; Fenoksi etanol; PhenoxyEtanol; fenoksiethanol; 2-Phenoxy ethanol; 2-Phenoxyethyl alcohol; 3-ETHYL-2-HEPTANOL; DOWANOL(TM) EPH; ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOPHENYL ETHER; ETHYLENE GLYCOL PHENYL ETHER; MONOPHENYL GLYCOL; PHENOXETOL; Phenoxy ethanol; Phenoxy ethanolUM; PHENYL CELLOSOLVE; PHENYLGLYCOL; ROSE ETHER; 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane; 1-hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane[qr]; 2-Fenoxyethanol; 2-fenoxyethanol(czech)[qr]; 2-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether; 2-Hydroxyethylphenylether; 2-hydroxyethylphenylether[qr]; fenoksiethanolveuygulamalanları; fenoksiethanolvekozmetik; fenoksi ethanol ve uygulamaları; fenoksi ethanol ve kozmetik; phonexyethanolandapplication; Phenoxy ethanolandcosmetics; phenoxy ethanol and application; phenoxy ethanol and cosmetics; PHENOXY ETHANOL AND APPLICATION; PHENOXY ETHANOL AND COSMETICS; PHENOXY ETHANOL; FENOKSİ ETANOL; 2-Fenoksi etanol; (2-hidroksi-etil)-fenil eter

Phenoxy Ethanol

Phenoxy ethanol is a germicidal and germistatic glycol ether, phenol ether, and aromatic alcohol often used together with quaternary ammonium compounds.
Use of Phenoxy ethanol
Phenoxy ethanol 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.
Phenoxy ethanol is an alternative to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.[4] In Japan and the EU, its concentration in cosmetics is restricted to 1%.

Production of Phenoxy ethanol
Phenoxy ethanol is produced by the hydroxyethylation of phenol (Williamson synthesis), for example, in the presence of alkali-metal hydroxides or alkali-metal borohydrides.

Efficacy of Phenoxy ethanol
Phenoxy ethanol is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and the yeast Candida albicans.[6]
Phenoxy ethanol by Lanxess is used as a crosslinking agent. Phenoxy ethanol is effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria and fungi. Phenoxy ethanol complies with FDA 21 CFR 175.105 for indirect food contact use in adhesives.

Safety
Phenoxyethanol is a vaccine preservative and potential allergen, which may result in a nodular reaction at the site of injection.[8] It reversibly inhibits NMDAR-mediated ion currents.[9] Ingestion may cause central nervous system and respiratory depression, vomiting and diarrhea in infants, particularly when combined with chlorphenesin.

What is phenoxy ethanol? 
Phenoxy ethanol is a preservative used in many cosmetics and personal care products. You may have a cabinet full of products containing this ingredient in your home, whether you know it or not.
Chemically, phenoxy ethanol is known as a glycol ether, or in other words, a solvent. CosmeticsInfo.org describes Phenoxy ethanol as "an oily, slightly sticky liquid with a faint rose-like scent."
You likely come into contact with this chemical on a regular basis. But is it safe? The evidence is mixed.
We'll review the most relevant scientific research about this common cosmetics ingredient. You can decide whether you'd like to keep or banish it from your personal care products arsenal.

How's Phenoxy ethanol used? 
Many mainstream and boutique cosmetics products contain Phenoxy ethanol. Phenoxy ethanol's often used as a preservative or stabilizer for other ingredients that might otherwise deteriorate, spoil, or become less effective too quickly.

Phenoxy ethanol is also used in other industries, including in vaccines and textiles. This article focuses on Phenoxy ethanol's role in topical cosmetics.
Perhaps most famously in the public consciousness, Phenoxy ethanol was used in Mommy Bliss brand nipple cream. In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source recalled it as unsafe for breastfeeding infants, due to concerns about how it affects their central nervous system.

Why is it added to cosmetics? 
In perfumes, fragrances, soaps, and cleansers, Phenoxy ethanol works as a stabilizer. In other cosmetics, Phenoxy ethanol's used as an antibacterial and/or a preservative to prevent products from losing their potency or spoiling.
When combined with another chemical, some evidence indicates that it's effective at reducing acne. One 2008 study on 30 human subjects with inflammatory acne showed that after six weeks of twice-daily applications, more than half of the subjects saw a 50 percent improvement in their number of pimples.
Manufacturers who want to avoid using parabens, which have recently lost favor among health-conscious consumers, might use Phenoxy ethanol in their products as a substitute.
But is Phenoxy ethanol safer than parabens for topical use in humans?

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Is phenoxy ethanol safe? 
Deciding whether or not you want to use products with this chemical is a complicated decision. There's conflicting data about its safety. Most of the concern stems from recorded incidents of bad skin reactions and nervous system interaction in infants.

Possible health concerns 
Allergies and skin irritation
In humans
Phenoxy ethanol is known to cause allergic-type reactions on the skin in some people. Some argue that these bad reactions are the result of allergies in the test subjects. Others argue that it's simply a skin irritant that affects different people at different levels.
Phenoxy ethanol is used as a preservative in cosmetic products and also as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps.[1]  Exposure to Phenoxy ethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema[2] to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions.[3] Infant oral exposure to Phenoxy ethanol can acutely affect nervous system function.[4]

FOUND IN: Moisturizer, eye shadow, foundation, sunscreen, conditioner, mascara, eye liner, shampoo, lip gloss, concealer, body wash, hand cream, blush, hair color, hair spray, lip balm, lotion, nail polish, baby wipes, baby lotions and soaps, soap (liquid and bar), shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste, fragrance, hair removal waxes, hand sanitizer and ultrasound gel.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: Phenoxy ethanol, 2-Phenoxy ethanol, Euxyl K® 400 (mixture of Phenoxy ethanol and 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane), PhE

WHAT IS Phenoxy ethanol? Phenoxy ethanol is used as a preservative in cosmetic products to limit bacterial growth. A review of 43 cosmetic products demonstrated that only 25 percent of the products had concentrations of Phenoxy ethanol greater than 0.6 percent and the mean concentration of Phenoxy ethanol was 0.46 percent.[5] Phenoxy ethanol is also used as to stabilize components found in perfumes and soaps.
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS: Individuals allergic to Phenoxy ethanol and breast-feeding infants.
REGULATIONS: The European Economic Community (EEC) Cosmetics Derivative[13] and the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union approved Phenoxy ethanol in concentrations up to one percent. [14]
HOW TO AVOID: Infants should not be exposed to cosmetic products containing Phenoxy ethanol. If you are allergic, read labels and avoid personal care products and vaccines with Phenoxy ethanol and since parabens may enhance the allergic effects of Phenoxy ethanol, skip products containing both chemicals. If you are not allergic, Phenoxy ethanol is a relatively safe preservative in regard to chronic health effects.

What it is: Phenoxy ethanol can be found naturally in green tea, but the commercial ingredient is synthetically produced in a laboratory creating what’s termed a “nature identical” chemical. Specifically, it’s created by treating phenol with ethylene oxide in an alkaline medium which all reacts to form a pH-balanced ingredient.

What it does: Fights bacteria. Most personal care products are made with a lot of water and a variety of nutrients (consider all of the natural oils and botanicals in Honest products!) which makes an incredibly hospitable breeding ground for microorganisms. What’s worse – the product might smell and look just fine, but be swarming with bacteria or fungi that are dangerous to your health. Effective preservatives are vital for ensuring safety!

Why we use it: We use Phenoxy ethanol in a very low concentration as a preservative in 5 of our products (Stain Remover, Multi-Surface Spray, Dish Soap, Hand Soap & Laundry Detergent) because the most accessible alternatives for these types of formulas include parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Both are classes of chemicals with demonstrable evidence of potential health risks, whereas Phenoxy ethanol is very safe at low levels. It’s been tested on the skin and eyes and it is non-irritating and non-sensitizing at levels of 2.2% or lower while being effective at only 1% concentrations. The European Union and Japan both approve its use up to that 1% level and our formulas fall well below the recommendation at 0.5% or less (depending on the specific product).
Even better, Phenoxy ethanol doesn’t react with other ingredients, air or light. This kind of stability makes it an especially effective preservative.
We’d like to point out a study that helped inform our decision to use it – a study conducted on pre-term newborn babies finding a Phenoxy ethanol-based antiseptic as the preferred, gentle formula that’s quickly metabolized by even a premature baby’s system.
As certain skin care ingredients fall out of favor with consumers, brands have been switching up their formulas to accommodate the demand. And often, this involves ditching the parabens and using a chemical called Phenoxy ethanol instead. But what is Phenoxy ethanol, exactly? And is it even safe?  

What is Phenoxy ethanol?
According to board-certified dermatologist Kiran Mian, D.O., Phenoxy ethanol is a preservative that's used in cosmetics, perfumes, and toiletries. It's colorless, oily, and has a rose-like odor. Chemically speaking, it's an ether alcohol that's naturally found in green tea. But most of the Phenoxy ethanol you'll come across is synthesized in a lab. 

On that note, you probably use this chemical more often than you think. About 23.9% of personal products contain Phenoxy ethanol, so it's a pretty common preservative. It's likely in most of your products, from leave-on cosmetics (like lipsticks) to rinse-off formulas (like cleansers).
And you're probably about to see a lot more of it, too. With the increasing popularity of paraben-free products, many skin care brands have used Phenoxy ethanol in place of parabens. It can be listed on a label under several names, including 2-Phenoxy ethanol, phenoxytol, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, and 1-hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane. 

What is Phenoxy ethanol used for in skin care? 
In skin care, Phenoxy ethanol is used to enhance the quality, safety, and effectiveness of a product. Here's how it works: 

1. It prevents microbial growth.
Although it may sound unpleasant, your cosmetic products double as the perfect home (and food) for harmful microorganisms. It's all thanks to water and organic/inorganic compounds, which is found in basically every product. 
Phenoxy ethanol helps by preventing the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold, says Jessie Cheung, M.D., board-certified dermatologist. It fights bacteria by making holes in their membranes, which essentially makes them implode, adds Mian. Phenoxy ethanol also disrupts DNA and RNA synthesis in bacteria and yeast, so it's impossible for them to reproduce, she notes. In turn, these microbes can't multiply and contaminate your beloved skin care products.   

2. It stabilizes products.
"Phenoxy ethanol is compatible with many other preservatives," says Cheung, and it doesn't react with light or air. Therefore, it's used to prevent ingredients from breaking down or separating, helping your product stay stable. What's more, Phenoxy ethanol itself is stable at a wide range of pHs, notes Cheung, so it works well in a variety of formulas.  

3. It enhances the shelf life of your products.
As a preservative, Phenoxy ethanol is ultimately used to extend a product's lifespan. Its antimicrobial and stabilizing properties protect the formula from spoilage, which would render the product useless—and unsafe. This increases the length of time you can enjoy the product without any issues. (It's still smart to check the expiration date, though!)

Are there any side effects? 
Phenoxy ethanol is generally recognized as a safe, well-tolerated preservative. Yet, there have been a few reports of this substance causing adverse effects. 
In a 2010 case study, a woman developed an allergic reaction—in the form of hives and anaphylaxis—after using a skin care product with Phenoxy ethanol. The researchers did a specific Phenoxy ethanol skin test and found that she was allergic to the preservative. There was also a 2015 report of Phenoxy ethanol causing irritation. The preservative, which was applied via ultrasound gel, led to contact dermatitis.  
Also, in 2008, the FDA issued a warning "for a nipple cream containing Phenoxy ethanol and chlorphenesin, another preservative [that causes] central nervous system effects, as the two ingredients could synergistically increase the risk of respiratory depression in nursing infants," says Cheung. 

Finally, in animal studies, Phenoxy ethanol has caused negative effects at very high doses. However, any potential toxicity happens at exposure levels much higher—around 200 times more—than what's used in cosmetics. 
It's also worth noting that reports of side effects are rare—extremely rare. (Consider them the exception, not the rule.) When used at the low concentrations (less than 1%) found in cosmetics, Phenoxy ethanol is unlikely to cause harmful or unpleasant outcomes.

Who shouldn't use it? 
"Even though Phenoxy ethanol is regarded as low-risk, you can be sensitized to any chemical," explains Cheung. So, if you have sensitive skin, she recommends proceeding with caution when using any new skin care products—including those with Phenoxy ethanol. 
If you think you have a Phenoxy ethanol allergy, do a patch test first, suggests Mian. Apply a small amount to your inner wrist. Keep an eye on the area for 24 hours. You can keep using the product if you don't develop a reaction. If you do have a reaction, remember that it could be caused by any ingredient in the formula. Your best bet is to visit your dermatologist to try to pinpoint the culprit. 
And if you're pregnant or breastfeeding? Avoid using products with Phenoxy ethanol, just to be safe, and check with your doctor first. 

The takeaway.
If you're a fan of paraben-free products, there's a good chance you've been regularly using Phenoxy ethanol. Don't worry, though—it's unlikely that it will cause irritation or side effects. Not to mention, it's better than the alternative. Just be mindful of the ingredients you are using in general.

Phenoxy ethanol is a widely used synthetic preservative that has global approval for use in all cosmetic products in concentrations up to 1%. It’s often used in even lower amounts, such as when combined with other ingredients like ethylhexylglycerin. In this case, lower amounts of Phenoxy ethanol can be just as effective as the maximum approved amount.
Phenoxy ethanol is incredibly versatile: It works in a large range of formulas and pH ranges, has broad spectrum activity against many pathogens you don’t want multiplying in your skincare products, is stable, and is compatible with many other preservatives used in cosmetics.

Phenoxy ethanol has become the new skincare ingredient to be demonized by various retail/natural marketing cosmetic companies and websites. The controversy is similar to the absurdity over paraben preservatives. Parabens were made evil in skincare products because of studies showing they are endocrine disruptors, but parabens don’t have that property when they absorb into skin. Much like parabens, Phenoxy ethanol being a problem in cosmetics is based on research that has nothing to do with skincare. The negative research about Phenoxy ethanol is not about the cosmetics-grade version. That’s a big difference. Even plant extracts have to be purified when they are removed from the ground and put into skincare products. No one wants worms, fertilizer, heavy metals, and dirt in their products. Phenoxy ethanol is the same situation, it is purified before it is used in cosmetic formulations.

As with many cosmetic ingredients, concentration matters. A 100% concentration of Phenoxy ethanol comes with some scary warnings. For example, the Safety Data Sheet on this preservative describes it as harmful if it contacts skin, is inhaled, or gets in to the eyes. Animal studies have shown it causes reproductive and developmental toxicity—no wonder some panic is occurring! As it turns out, the animal studies were about mice being fed large doses of this preservative, not about it being applied to skin, absorbing, and then causing reproductive or developmental harm. If you fed mice mass amounts of lavender or other essential oils, they would suffer terrible consequences.

The rest of the alarming studies are about using Phenoxy ethanol in full-strength or atypically high concentrations, not the amounts of 1% or less used in cosmetic products. Think of it as the difference between taking one sip of wine versus chugging several bottles at once!

Back to topical use, research has shown that compared to many other preservatives, the incidence of a sensitized or allergic reaction to Phenoxy ethanol applied as used in cosmetics is rare. But the truth is all preservatives, even the natural ones, carry some risk of sensitizing skin. That’s because preservatives of any kind are meant to kill fungus, bacteria, and mold and that can negatively impact skin. Ironically, in order for natural preservatives to be effective, they have to be used in much higher amounts than synthetic preservatives, typically up to 10%. This higher amount poses irritation and sensitizing problems for skin, so natural preservatives aren’t a slam-dunk replacement for synthetics, not even close.

An interesting factoid: although the Phenoxy ethanol used in skincare products is synthetic, this chemical occurs naturally in green tea, just like parabens occur naturally in berries and other natural foods.
Phenoxy ethanol (fee-no-oxy-ethanol) is part tongue twister, part chemical. More specifically, Phenoxy ethanol is a preservative that’s used to limit bacterial growth in many of the cosmetics you know and love.
If you’ve been wondering about this mystery ingredient lingering on the label of your favorite products, we’re here to clear the air. Read through to learn all about what Phenoxy ethanol is, why its safety is questionable in certain products, and why we choose not to use it in ours.

What Is Phenoxy ethanol?
Phenoxy ethanol is a lesser known skin care ingredient that has flown under the radar of the average consumer for some time. Though this preservative isn’t quite in the danger zone of parabens and formaldehyde releasers, it does raise important concerns about safety.

Phenoxy ethanol is a chemical preservative used in cosmetics and personal care products to limit bacterial growth and extend shelf life. It’s often used as a stabilizer for other ingredients that might otherwise deteriorate, spoil, or become less effective too quickly – it’s often employed along with perfumes, soaps, and bubble baths.
You probably use this chemical more often than you think; about 23.9% of personal products contain Phenoxy ethanol, so it's one of those most common preservatives.

Why We Choose Not To Use Phenoxy ethanol In Our Products
Chemically, Phenoxy ethanol is known as a glycol ether – in other words, a solvent. According to the CDC, organic solvents can be carcinogens, reproductive hazards, and neurotoxins. Since many solvents a.k.a. chemicals are toxic, they can impact the skin and alter skin properties. These chemicals and a host of others are commonly found in lotions, moisturizers, liquid foundations, and sunscreen.

It goes without saying why we choose not to use Phenoxy ethanol because it is a chemical preservative. It can be listed on a label under several names: 2-Phenoxy ethanol, phenoxytol, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, and 1-hydroxy-2-Phenoxy ethanol.
We prefer to use more natural preservatives like honeysuckle, tocopherols, and plant-based antioxidants.

Honeysuckle
The intoxicating scent of these delicate, trumpet-like beauties boast powerful properties as a natural preservative. It acts as an effective agent against harmful microorganisms that keeps serums, lotions, and other beauty potions fresh and safe.

Tocopherols
A form of Vitamin E, tocopherols are effective natural preservatives that can help maintain the freshness and shelf life of products. They’re a safe and effective solution to protect lipids and prevent oxidation – or a product’s alteration in formula – that can occur in cosmetics and skin care products, especially cold-pressed oils. This oxidation can alter the lifespan of a product and its freshness and effectiveness.

Antioxidants
The use of antioxidants can also be considered important for maintaining the stability of the formulations. In terms of preservation, they are highly effective when it comes to reducing oxidation: a chemical reaction that often takes place when an ingredient is exposed to oxygen, resulting in rancidity and degeneration at a cellular level.

Is Phenoxy ethanol Really That Bad?
The short answer with a not-so-short conclusion, is that it depends who you ask. For instance, the Skin Deep database powered by EWG (the Environmental Working Group) rates the preservative as low hazard. But it still has the capability for harm, or cause an adverse effect – which is precisely why some brands won’t include the ingredient.
On the other hand, there are companies who use Phenoxy ethanols BUT only in a small percentage. A familiar household brand, The Honest Company, only uses a tiny amount of the preservative to fight bacteria. Their plant based formulations, when paired with water, can create a breeding ground for fungi – so an effective preservative or stabilizer is in order!
Using an effective preservative is critical for ensuring safety – something we know The Honest Company stands by. Phenoxy ethanol is only used in their dish and hand soaps, laundry detergent, stain remover, and surface spray. They consider the amount unsubstantial, and limit its use to only a few of their products.

But what about those side effects we mentioned earlier?
How Phenoxy ethanol Can Affect Skin and Health
On the surface, these fairly unassuming preservatives may not seem that bad – but going a little deeper, there is a conversation questioning its safety for those with certain skin types. Granted the FDA and The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) as well as other companies using this preservative can agree on one thing: it’s safe when applied topically in concentrations of 1 percent or lower.
Still, questions are lingering regarding the safety of Phenoxy ethanol for sensitive skin types, in regards to allergic reactions and skin irritation. Several studies have indicated that those with sensitive skin can experience allergic-type reactions, due in part to having pre-existing allergies. Some studies simply identify it as a skin irritant that can affect different people at varying levels. Symptoms can range from rashes to a more severe response of hives.

Other Effects of Phenoxy ethanol on Your Health
If you scratch the surface further on Phenoxy ethanol, there are additional conversations about its adverse health effects for urinary incontinence. Phenoxy ethanol has been linked to partial loss of the urgency to urinate, as well as pain attributed to the preservative while urinating.
Phenoxy ethanol is also often found in baby soaps and bubble baths, begging the question of their safety for the most delicate of skin. Phenoxy ethanol is thought to cause central nervous system damage in exposed infants – not to mention the aforementioned risk of urinary tract discomfort and irritation.
As we’ve emphasized, there are a variety of reasons to accept or dispel the use of Phenoxy ethanol in skin and health applications and products. While there are mixed reviews as to the potential ill-effects of this ingredient, know that we’ll always play it safe when it comes to hazardous preservatives!

Phenoxy ethanol DANGERS: IS Phenoxy ethanol SAFE AND WHAT IS Phenoxy ethanol IN SKINCARE?
There are little known cosmetic ingredients and then there are those that are more familiar. Parabens created a media explosion a decade ago that has resulted in nearly everyone at least knowing about these controversial compounds. While we don’t consider parabens acceptable for use in our formulations here at Blissoma, they certainly aren’t the only mainstream preservatives to avoid when shopping skincare.

Phenoxy ethanol is a synthetic preservative that can be found in a wide range of skincare products. And while it's considered by some to be safer than parabens, this preservative has its good and bad points like any chemical.  That’s why we’d like to shed light on the Phenoxy ethanol dangers that can exist, and the ways it interacts with your body.

WHAT IS Phenoxy ethanol IN SKINCARE?
Phenoxy ethanol in cosmetics and personal care products is most commonly used as a synthetic preservative. This ingredient is produced for commercial use by treating phenol, a crystalline solid obtained from coal tar, with ethylene oxide, a carbolic acid. Both coal tar and ethylene oxide are known to contain carcinogenic compounds but some feel the process of combining the two makes Phenoxy ethanol safe for use as a cosmetic preservative.  It is from a class of chemical compounds called glycol ethers.

Phenoxy ethanol occurs naturally in small amounts in green tea and chicory, but the version you will find in cosmetic products is always made in a lab.  This makes it "nature identical" at best when found in your skincare.  This issue creates interesting questions about what "natural" really is - it is a naturally occurring compound, is it a compound extracted directly from plants, or is it ok to synthesize it, and does the chemical feedstock matter?  These issues are ones that the natural, green, and clean beauty world is still wrestling with.

We believe that the chemical feedstock absolutely matters, and that further the quantity of a compound that a person is likely to encounter in the natural world also matters.  When a compound that occurs only in trace amounts in natural sources is highly concentrated in a lab and then used on human beings at levels they would not normally contact in nature it fundamentally changes how we are interacting with that substance.  This issue has been explored previously with other preservative controversies like that around "Plantservative", the Japanese honeysuckle extract based preservative.  Other compounds like undecane that are now sneaking into green beauty products have this same issue.  The line for what is to be considered natural and what is non natural is currently a battleground and is likely to remain that way.

Phenoxy ethanol is not allowed in cosmetic products applying for EcoCert or COSMOS certification.  This already means that many natural-focused customers will choose to avoid this ingredient.
Paraben fear has prompted many cosmetics makers to use Phenoxy ethanol as a preservative. And while it may not have the reputation of parabens or carry the same potential risks, there are reasons to consider steering clear of this ingredient.

The best way to avoid synthetic preservatives is to read ingredient listings. Here’s how Phenoxy ethanol shows up on product labels: Phenoxy ethanol, 2-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether, 2-phenoxy- ethanol, 2-Phenoxy ethanol, 2-phenoxyethyl alcohol, ethanol, 2-phenoxy-, ethanol, 2phenoxy, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, Phenoxy ethanol, and phenoxytol.
Contaminated skincare is a bad thing but synthetic preservatives have drawbacks too. And skipping synthetics doesn’t mean you have to forgo safe products. There are many natural preservatives that can be utilized in their place for lotions, creams, and serums that have water content.

Green chemistry has continued to evolve in leaps and bounds and there are more choices of naturally based preservatives on the market for formulators than ever before.  However the way that naturally based preservatives work is more complicated than many synthetic anti microbial ingredients, and they often cost more as raw materials.  Usually a combination of several is needed in order to satisfy the needs of protecting a product from fungi and bacteria alike, which are sensitive to different things.  More rigorous testing is needed to devise naturally based preservative systems that work in each individual product, which can also drive up development and laboratory costs.  This can leave cosmetic manufacturers eager for the simplicity of using a broadly effective, comparatively "easy" ingredient like Phenoxy ethanol.

IS Phenoxy ethanol SAFE IN SKINCARE?
A quick Google search on Phenoxy ethanol safety will likely leave you stumped. There are two camps when it comes to this issue – those who feel the ingredient poses no risks when used as directed in concentrations of 1% or lower and those who feel it’s best avoided.  

You may want to note that Japan and the EU are the places where Phenoxy ethanol is currently restricted by law to be used at 1% or less.  In the USA no such restrictions exist, nor is there any third party verification of ingredients content.  This could mean that product manufacturers in the USA that use this ingredient may be using in excess of the advised 1% level, particularly if there are ingredients in a formulation that were preserved with Phenoxy ethanol prior to being added to the final recipe.  If Phenoxy ethanol is then added to the final recipe at 1% this would put the total amount in the product over the 1% limit.  It is nearly impossible to know if manufacturers are doing their math carefully to avoid this situation with no legal restrictions on them in the USA to cause them to act more cautiously.
As always, it’s a good idea to do your research when concerned about a cosmetic ingredient and to follow brands whose ingredient commitment you trust. Brands dedicated to creating synthetic-free products will avoid Phenoxy ethanol. We did some digging and found that this preservative comes with some potential unwanted side effects.

THE Phenoxy ethanol DANGERS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Properly preserved skincare is a priority for safety, but which preservatives we use and how often are important choices.  Whether Phenoxy ethanol is safe or not is likely to be a personal decision for most people, and there is definitely some study data you will want to know about as you consider how you feel about this preservative.
A lot of the scientific study data available on Phenoxy ethanol is relatively old, and generally in the scientific world anything older than 10 years is very old since new testing methods and ideas are constantly evolving and new data is always being produced.  With that in mind there are a few points of data you will want to know about.

Phenoxy ethanol HAS A RELATIVELY LOW RISK OF SENSITIZING SKIN, BUT PEOPLE WITH ECZEMA MAY WANT TO AVOID IT ANYWAY.
Phenoxy ethanol has been in use since the early 1980s, and very few incidents of contact allergy were reported in its early days of use.  Reports of contact allergy increased in the 1990s and 2000s which could be simply due to its increased use in products.  It could also represent growing sensitization in the population using it.  However a 2011 study showed that Phenoxy ethanol showed one of the lowest risks of sensitization among preservatives evaluated in that study.  The test group also included benzyl alcohol, parabens, and methylisothiazolinone (now known to cause contact allergy in many people).  The sensitization exposure quotient (SEQ) was calculated by dividing the relative frequency of sensitization and the relative frequency of use.  By this method Phenoxy ethanol was shown to have an SEQ of just .06 while methylisothiazolinone has an SEQ of 1.7.  Some preservatives tested had SEQ values up to 9.0.  

Some of the worst cases of skin sensitization that have been seen with Phenoxy ethanol occurred when it was being used as a component ingredient in the branded preservative blend known as Euxyl-K 400.  The other chemical compound in Euxyl-K 400 is 1,2-dibromo-2.4-dicyanobutane. The sensitizing capability of this blend has been known since the early 1990s and most cosmetic manufacturers are probably not using this blended ingredient anymore.
All that said the SEQ calculated above was derived using data from a body of information collected between 2006-2009 and includes frequency of use as one of the criteria.  The use of Phenoxy ethanol in cosmetics has absolutely risen over the last 10 years, meaning that those numbers could shift given that frequency of use would be way up.  Frequency of contact contributes to sensitization.  
As well the data would have represented a broad section of people, which is great if you have "normal" skin.  However if you are someone suffering from eczema or frequent contact allergies it could be far more likely that you could react to a substance like Phenoxy ethanol.  Data collected from a typical population does not reflect reaction rates among exclusively people with highly reactive skin.  So if you have highly reactive skin you may still wish to avoid Phenoxy ethanol.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN Phenoxy ethanol ABSORBS INTO YOUR SKIN?
When Phenoxy ethanol is absorbed into skin it is metabolized in the liver to become phenoxyacetic acid and its conjugates.  More than 90% of the metabolites are eliminated through urine.  Very small amounts of Phenoxy ethanol may remain behind in organs and tissues, but this effect is thought to be minimal.  Higher amounts of Phenoxy ethanol have been documented in women versus men and cosmetic products are thought to be the primary reason for this difference due to the increased number of personal care products used by women.  About 47% to 85% of the Phenoxy ethanol applied to skin can absorb through skin and into the bloodstream.
The good news is that according to current study data available Phenoxy ethanol has been found to be at least non genotoxic (non mutagenic) and non carcinogenic.  In one study using mice Phenoxy ethanol was found to be a mild reproductive toxin at high doses, and caused a decrease in litter size and weight.

HOW Phenoxy ethanol AFFECTS SKIN
While we thoroughly advocate for proper cosmetic preservation it cannot be understated that applying excess synthetic preservatives to the skin on a daily basis is shortsighted for the overall health of skin due to the way synthetic preservatives affect the skin microbiome.
In short, preservatives play a hugely important role in the safety of cosmetics. But synthetic preservatives come with disadvantages to skin, the skin microbiome, and your overall wellbeing. We advise avoiding Phenoxy ethanol dangers by choosing plant-based skincare with natural preservatives.