Quick Search
Phenoxyethanol is a chemical compound commonly used as a preservative in cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
CAS Number: 122-99-6
Synonyms:
2-Phenoxyethano,Phenoxyethanol (Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether)
2-Phenylethanol,Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether,Phenoxytol
Introduction to Phenoxyethanol
Definition and History:
Phenoxyethanol is a glycol ether with both antiseptic and preservative properties.
Phenoxyethanol is commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Phenoxyethanol was first introduced in the 1950s and has become a popular alternative to other preservatives like parabens due to its lower toxicity profile.
Chemical Structure and Molecular Composition:
The chemical formula is C8H10O2 and it consists of a phenyl group attached to an ethoxy group.
The structure includes an aromatic ring (phenyl) bonded to an ethanol group (-CH2CH2OH), making it a type of ether compound.
Detailed analysis of its molecular bonding and how it contributes to its functional properties.
Chemical Properties
Chemical Formula, Molecular Weight, and Structure:
The molecular weight of phenoxyethanol is 138.17 g/mol.
The molecular structure is composed of a benzene ring bonded to an ethoxy (-CH2CH2O) group.
A breakdown of the functional groups and their significance in the chemical reactivity.
Physical Properties:
Appearance: colorless, oily liquid
Boiling Point: 252°C
Melting Point: -10°C
Density: 1.1 g/cm³
Refractive Index: 1.544
Solubility: It is soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone.
It has limited solubility in non-polar solvents like hexane.
Discussing how the solubility plays a role in its applications, especially in aqueous formulations.
Reactivity and Stability:
Phenoxyethanol is relatively stable but can undergo decomposition at high temperatures.
Discussing its reactivity with different compounds, and the factors influencing its stability under various environmental conditions.
Production Methods
Methods of Synthesis:
The primary method involves the reaction between phenol and ethylene oxide under controlled conditions, producing phenoxyethanol and water as a byproduct.
Different synthetic routes and their advantages (e.g., cost, purity).
Industrial Production Processes:
Detailed description of large-scale production, including reaction conditions (temperature, pressure), catalysts, and raw materials. Emphasis on the use of ethylene oxide and phenol as primary feedstocks.
Commercial Production and Scale:
Explanation of commercial-scale manufacturing, including supply chain, pricing, and global production capacity.
Insights into the industrial demand for phenoxyethanol, particularly in the cosmetics industry.
Applications
Industrial Applications:
In cosmetics, it serves as a preservative, stabilizer, and solvent. It is often found in facial creams, shampoos, and sunscreens.
In pharmaceuticals, it is used in injectable formulations, vaccines, and as a solvent in various oral preparations.
It is also used in cleaning products, paints, and coatings.
Biotechnological Uses:
Its role in tissue culture media, as a preservative in vaccine formulations, and as an antimicrobial agent in cell preservation.
Preservative and Antimicrobial Properties:
Detailed mechanism of action as an antimicrobial agent, including its inhibition of bacterial growth. How it affects microbial cell membranes and prevents spoilage in cosmetic formulations.
Mechanism of Action
Antimicrobial Action:
Phenoxyethanol acts by disrupting the integrity of microbial cell membranes. Its ether group interferes with the lipid bilayers, compromising cell wall synthesis and cellular function.
Interaction with Microorganisms:
Discuss how phenoxyethanol affects bacteria, fungi, and yeast, and its effectiveness in preventing microbial contamination in water-based formulations.
Comparison with other preservatives in terms of spectrum of activity.
Skin Penetration and Toxicity:
Analysis of how phenoxyethanol interacts with human skin, its penetration rate, and why it is considered safe in low concentrations (usually ≤1%).
Regulations and Standards
Regulatory Guidelines:
In the United States, the FDA and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have established phenoxyethanol as safe in concentrations up to 1%.
iscuss how various regulatory bodies, including the EU, Japan, and Canada, have guidelines for its use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Safe Usage Levels:
In cosmetics, phenoxyethanol is typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 1.0%. Understanding how regulations ensure consumer safety while allowing effective preservation.
Certification and Approval:
The approval process for new formulations containing phenoxyethanol, including toxicity testing, stability studies, and regulatory reviews.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT PHENOXYETHANOL (ETHYLENE GLYCOL PHENYL ETHER)
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
