PHENOXY ETHANOL

PHENOXYETHANOL

Phenoxyethanol is a germicidal and germistatic glycol ether, phenol ether, and aromatic alcohol often used together with quaternary ammonium compounds.

CAS Number: 122-99-6 check
Chemical formula: C8H10O2
Molar mass: 138.166 g·mol−1

SYNONYMS

2-PHENOXYETHANOL; Phenoxyethanol; 122-99-6; Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether; Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-; Phenyl cellosolve; Phenoxytol; Phenoxethol; Phenoxetol; Ethylene glycol phenyl ether; Phenoxyethyl alcohol; 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane; Rose ether; Phenylmonoglycol ether; 2-Phenoxyethan-1-Ol; Arosol; Dowanol EP; 2-Phenoxyethyl alcohol; Glycol monophenyl ether; 2-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether; Phenylglycol; Fenyl-cellosolve; 2-Fenoxyethanol; Dowanol EPH; 2-Phenoxy-ethanol; Emery 6705; Emeressence 1160; Fenylcelosolv; Marlophen P; beta-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether; 2-phenoxy ethanol; Marlophen P 7; Spermicide 741; Tritonyl 45; Ethylan HB 4; EGMPE; Fenylcelosolv [Czech]; 2-Fenoxyethanol [Czech]; Fenyl-cellosolve [Czech]; Plastiazan-41 [Russian]; UNII-HIE492ZZ3T; NSC 1864; Polyoxyethylene phenol ether; Polyoxyethylene phenyl ether; Phenol-ethylene oxide adduct; MFCD00002857; Glycols, polyethylene, monophenyl ether; Phenoxyethanol [NF]; Polyethylene glycol phenyl ether; .beta.-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether; HSDB 5595; PHE-G; PHE-S; 2-Phenoxyethanol, 99%; EINECS 204-589-7; FR 214; 9004-78-8; .beta.-Phenoxyethyl alcohol; alpha-Phenyl-omega-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl); BRN 1364011; HIE492ZZ3T; AI3-00752()C; CHEBI:64275; Phenoxyethanol (NF); Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-phenyl-omega-hydroxy-; NCGC00090731-01; NCGC00090731-05; DSSTox_CID_1976; DSSTox_RID_76437; DSSTox_GSID_21976; Erisept; Plastiazan-41; CAS-122-99-6; Phenol, ethoxylated; PHG; .beta.-Phenoxyethanol; phenylcellosolve; ethyleneglycol monophenyl ether; Phenoxyethanolum; CCRIS 9481; Ethylene glycol-monophenyl ether; Dalpad A; 2-phenyloxyethanol; Newpol EFP; 2-(phenoxy)ethanol; beta-Hydroxyphenetole; 2-phenoxy-1-ethanol; beta-phenoxyethylalcohol; ACMC-1BVYG; 2-Phenoxyethanol, 9CI; WLN: Q2OR; EC 204-589-7; SCHEMBL15708; 2-Phenoxyethanol, >=99%; 4-06-00-00571 (Beilstein Handbook Reference); KSC174Q0P; MLS002174254; Euxyl K 400 (Salt/Mix); [O]CCOC1=CC=CC=C1; 2-Phenoxyethanol 122-99-6; 2-PHENOXYETHANOL 500ML; CHEMBL1229846; DTXSID9021976; CTK0H4807; Ethylene glycol mono phenyl ether; NSC1864; C(O)[C]OC1=CC=CC=C1; HMS2268A20; HY-B1729; NSC-1864; STR04582; ZINC1577061; Tox21_111002; Tox21_113532; Tox21_202111; Tox21_300842; ANW-18088; BBL027410; LS-672; SBB060485; STK802556; 2-Phenoxyethanol, analytical standard; Fungal Terminator [veterinary] (TN); AKOS000118741; Tox21_111002_1; DB11304; MCULE-1828011376; NCGC00090731-02; NCGC00090731-03; NCGC00090731-04; NCGC00090731-06; NCGC00090731-07; NCGC00090731-08; NCGC00254745-01; NCGC00259660-01; Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, >=90%; LS-72941; SC-47140; SMR000112131; ETHANOL,2-PHENOXY MFC8 H10 O2; CS-0013737; FT-0613280; P0115; P1953; ST51046662; 2-Phenoxyethanol, tested according to Ph.Eur.; D08359; 97692-EP2287158A1; 97692-EP2305662A1; 97692-EP2372017A1; A805003; Q418038; SR-01000838345; J-510235; SR-01000838345-2; F1905-6997; Z426194440; Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, SAJ first grade, >=95.0%; Phenoxyethanol, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard; Phenoxyethanol, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard; 2-Phenoxyethanol, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material; 

CAS Number: 122-99-6 check
Chemical formula: C8H10O2
Molar mass: 138.166 g·mol−1
Appearance: Colorless oily liquid
Odor: faint rose-like
Density: 1.102 g/cm3
Melting point: −2 °C (28 °F; 271 K)
Boiling point: 247 °C (477 °F; 520 K)
Solubility in water: 26 g/kg
Solubility: Chloroform, Alkali, diethyl ether: soluble
Solubility in peanut oil: slightly
Solubility in olive oil: slightly
Solubility in acetone: miscible
Solubility in ethanol: miscible
Solubility in glycerol: miscible
Vapor pressure: 0.001 kPa (0.00015 psi)
Thermal conductivity: 0.169 W/(m⋅K)
Refractive index (nD): 1.534 (20 ℃)

USE

Phenoxyethanol 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.
Phenoxyethanol is an alternative to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. In Japan and the European Union, its concentration in cosmetics is restricted to 1%.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in cosmetics and personal care products.  It is a biocide which is most active against Gram-negative bacteria.  It is generally used in combination with other preservatives, in part because its activity is weak against yeast and mold.
Phenoxyethanol is stable up to 85°C (185°F) and has useful activity from pH 3 to 10. Phenoxyethanol is soluble in most oils.  It is also soluble in water from 0.5 to 2.67 grams per 100 grams of water. It is miscible with propylene glycol and glycerin. 
Phenoxyethanol is inactivated by highly ethoxylated compounds.  In surfactant solution systems, the water must be saturated with Phenoxyethanol for activity. If the level is too low, it acts as a nutrient for bacteria.
Phenoxyethanol is used in the fragrance industry as a solvent and for its floral aroma. It is an excellent solvent for parabens and other preservatives.
To boost activity against yeast and mold, consider combining this preservative with Potassium Sorbate, also available for sale at Lotioncrafter.

Phenoxyethanol, or PE, is the most commonly used globally-approved preservative in personal care formulations. It is extremely easy to use in most types of formulations and is chemically very stable. PE is a colorless, clear, oily liquid with a faint aromatic odor at room temperature and a low water solubility and evaporation rate. It is produced by reacting phenol and ethylene oxide at an elevated temperature and pressure and occurs naturally in green tea.
The first widespread use of PE was in a preservative blend called Phenonip (Nipa Labs, now Clariant ) which was formulated in combination with parabens. PE became extremely popular after Denmark banned parabens in cosmetic products for children under 3 on December 10, 2010. On May 3, 2011 the French National Assembly voted to pass a bill of law that would immediately ban the use of phthalates, alkylphenols and parabens in consumer and professional products. The trend towards formulating with globally-approved, non-formaldehyde-releasing preservatives also accelerated its use.
Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in cosmetic products and also as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps. Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. Infant oral exposure to phenoxyethanol can acutely affect nervous system function. 

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 IS PHENOXYETHANOL? Phenoxyethanol 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 phenoxyethanol greater than 0.6 percent and the mean concentration of phenoxyethanol was 0.46 percent. Phenoxyethanol is also used as to stabilize components found in perfumes and soaps. 

HEALTH CONCERNS: Allergies, nervous system effects (infants)..

Allergen: Skin exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to allergic reactions ranging from eczema and hives to anaphylaxis. A 2015 study found that Doppler ultrasound gel mostly caused skin inflammation, but there were rare reports of anaphylaxis, or life-threatening reactions. Mixtures of phenoxyethanol and parabens found in Doppler ultrasound gel may lead to more severe allergic reactions than phenoxyethanol alone. 

Eczema is also a common allergic reaction to skin exposure of products containing one percent or more phenoxyethanol. Reactions only occur in the area of application and eczema subsides after avoidance of the product causing irritation. 
Acute nervous system effects (infants): In 2008, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream. Phenoxyethanol, found in the cream, was depressing the central nervous system and causing vomiting and diarrhea in breast feeding infants. Symptoms of a depressed nervous system include a decrease in infant’s appetite, difficulty waking the infant, limpness of extremities and change in skin color. There is no known health risk to the mother. 

VULNERABLE POPULATIONS: Individuals allergic to phenoxyethanol and breast-feeding infants.

REGULATIONS: The European Economic Community (EEC) Cosmetics Derivative and the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union approved phenoxyethanol in concentrations up to one percent. 

HOW TO AVOID: Infants should not be exposed to cosmetic products containing Phenoxyethanol. If you are allergic, read labels and avoid personal care products and vaccines with phenoxyethanol and since parabens may enhance the allergic effects of phenoxyethanol, skip products containing both chemicals. If you are not allergic, phenoxyethanol is a relatively safe preservative in regard to chronic health effects.

Phenoxyethanol is ester alcohol which is used as a preservative in a wide range of cosmetic products. Phenoxyethanol are glycol esters which are naturally derived from green tea and are usually synthesized in labs for commercial use. It is considered to be a preservative which is less irritating and which has a mild fragrance similar to that of a rose. In cosmetics, Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative, as a stabilizer, a solvent and an antimicrobial ingredient.
It is an oily, off-white liquid which is mostly used in major skincare and haircare products. It does not dissolve in water but is readily soluble in ethanol and alkaline solvents. Phenoxyethanol is often combined with other antibacterial agents to eradicate all the bacteria that breed on the product. Because of its conditioning and moisturizing effect Phenoxyethanol is used in skincare products such as creams, lotions, facial serums, moisturizers as well as in hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners.

WHAT ARE THE PRODUCTS IN WHICH PHENOXYETHANOL IS FOUND? 

Due to the increasing demand for paraben-free products, Phenoxyethanol is extensively used as a preservative in a large number of beauty products. Because of its mild fragrance, it is readily used in the manufacture of perfumes. Let’s have a look at the list of products in which Phenoxyethanol is present.
•    Shampoos
•    Conditioners
•    Hair Serums
•    Hair Colours
•    Soaps
•    Creams
•    Moisturizers
•    Sunscreens
•    Body Wash
•    Hand Wash
•    Hand Sanitizer
•    Baby Lotion
•    Lip Balm
•    Nail Polish
•    Shaving Creams
•    Perfumes
•    Deodorants
•    Ultrasound Gel
•    Cleaning Products
•    Detergents
WHY IS PHENOXYETHANOL USED IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS 

Most of the personal care products that are available in the market contain Phenoxyethanol as a preservative because of its antibacterial properties. Most of the cosmetic products that we use today are water-based products and bacteria easily thrives in water, here is when Phenoxyethanol comes into the picture. It is extensively used as a preservative in cosmetics and as a stabilizer in perfumes. Up to 1% is the recommended amount of Phenoxyethanol in any cosmetic product, above which it is known to be harmful to your health, your skin and hair.
Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in many cosmetic products such as creams, moisturizers, body lotions, shampoos, conditioners, hair colours etc because Phenoxyethanol is considered to be less irritable to the skin as compared to parabens which have lost its valour in the beauty industry. Moreover, it is an easily accessible alternative to parabens and Phenoxyethanol does not react with air, light or any other ingredients present in the product formulae. Phenoxyethanol is considered to be safe on skin and hair when used in trace amounts in the skincare and haircare formula. Up to 1% is the recommended level for its usage in cosmetic products.

Phenoxyethanol is a glycol which is used as a preservative in the making of cosmetic products and medicines. It is actually a kind of ether alcohol with aromatic properties that can also optimize the scent of any skin product.
Available in certain natural products, such as chicory and green tea, this substance, in its organic form, is a colourless, oily liquid. Nonetheless, Phenoxyethanol can also be manufactured artificially for several purposes. When made in the lab, this substance possesses a very powerful chemical of the highest purity that is often used as an additive in the cosmetic industry as it helps preserve the products it has been added to.
Chemically speaking, this compound can be broken into ethylene, phenyle, ether, and glycol. In addition, this chemical is known by several other names including Phenoxytol, Phenoxethol, Rose ether, Phenyle cellosolve, and Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether.
Phenoxyethanol began to be used as an alternative to the formerly popular Paraben preservatives. When awareness was raised concerning the dangers of using this substance, specialists began to look for suitable alternatives and Phenoxyethanol rose as a fine choice.
Since this chemical compound is simple to obtain and more inexpensive than other alternatives; it found a straight road to the list of ingredients of most present-day cosmetic products.

Phenoxyethanol and its Benefits
Apart from its fixative and preservative properties, Phenoxyethanol provides antimicrobial properties against yeast, mold and bacteria. Since this quality was discovered, it began to be used as a preservative against germ contamination in bottled products.

Additionally, this compound has been found to posses anaesthetic properties as well. By allowing temporary reduction in sensation when it is applied on a painful area, Phenoxyethanol has been also listed as a top ingredient in products used as a preparation for further cosmetic treatments.
One of the main advantages of using this substance is that it has been found to be less toxic than other alternatives, such as sodium azide, traditionally used in skin care products.

Phenoxyethanol and its Downsides

Despite its many benefits, this compound has been found to have some dangers associated its consumption. To begin with, research suggests that Phenoxyethanol causes damage to the brain cells and the central nervous system when used is great amounts. However, this is not the only side effect reported among users. Skin irritation and allergic reactions, such as dermatitis, lung inflammation and eye irritation, are also frequent, especially among people who have been exposed to this substance for long periods.

Finally, perhaps the scariest counter effect of this substance concerns its use among nursing mothers. A German study conducted several years ago, suggest that this substance may cause genetic and chromosomal mutation, thus the warning against its use when breastfeeding. Even when the amount of Phenoxyethanol found in most cosmetic products is small, there is still no certainty regarding how much can be transmitted when breastfeeding.
In all, this substance has been proved to be useful and practical. However, when choosing cosmetic products with Phenoxyethanol, it is best to choose those that contain a minimum amount.