PHENOXYETHANOL

CAS NUMBER: 122-99-6

Synonyms:
2-Phenoxyethanol; Emuclens; Erisept; ethylene glycol monophenyl ether; phenoxethol; Phenoxyethanol; 2-Phenoxyethanol ;122-99-6; Phenoxyethanol; Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether; Phenyl cellosolve; Phenoxytol; 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; Phenoxy ethanol; 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-Phenoxyethanol;Phenol-ethylene oxide adduct;Glycols, polyethylene, monophenyl ether;Phenoxyethanol [NF];Polyethylene glycol phenyl ether;.beta.-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether;HSDB 5595;Phenyl monoglycol ether;PHE-G;PHE-S;Rose ether Phenoxyethanol;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;C8H10O2;QCDWFXQBSFUVSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N;Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), ?-phenyl-?-hydroxy-;MFCD00002857;Phenoxyethanol (NF);Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-phenyl-omega-hydroxy-;NCGC00090731-01;NCGC00090731-05;DSSTox_CID_1976;DSSTox_RID_76437;DSSTox_GSID_21976;2-Phenoxyethanol-1,1-d2;Erisept;Plastiazan-41;56257-90-0;AS-122-99-6;Phenol, ethoxylated;.beta.-Phenoxyethanol;monophenylglycol;Phenoxyethanolum;Phenoxytolarosol;CCRIS 9481;Phenoxyl ethanol;arosol[qr];2-phenyloxyethanol;2-Phenoxyethanol;2-(phenoxy)ethanol;Dowanol EP / EPH;beta-phenoxyethylalcohol;ACMC-1BVYG;(2-Hydroxyethoxy)benzene;2-Phenoxyethanol, 99%;2-phenoxyethylalcohol[qr];beta-hydroxyethylphenylether;WLN: Q2OR;phenol, ethoxyliert (6eo);polyethyleneglycolphenylether;AC1L1L7D;AC1Q7D8M;HIE492ZZ3T;SCHEMBL15708;2-Phenoxyethanol, >=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;DTXSID9021976;CTK0H4807;phenol, ethoxyliert, eo 30 mol;Ethylene glycol mono phenyl ether;NSC1864;MolPort-001-768-719;BB_SC-2741;HMS2268A20;Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-phenyl-.omega.-hydroxy-; 2-Phenoxyethanol, analytical standard;Fungal Terminator [veterinary] (TN);AKOS000118741;Tox21_111002_1;MCULE-1828011376;RP20453;RTR-003651;TRA0162661;NCGC00090731-02;NCGC00090731-03;NCGC00090731-04;NCGC00090731-06;NCGC00090731-07;NCGC00090731-08;NCGC00254745-01;NCGC00259660-01;AJ-27363;AK110792;AN-19469;AN-22895;BC208517;CJ-05434;CJ-24993;Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, >=90%;KB-25856;LP119824;LS-72941;OR034465;OR190422;SC-47140;SMR000112131;ETHANOL,2-PHENOXY MFC8 H10 O2;ST2417151;TR-003651;FT-0613280;P0115;P1953;ST51046662;2-Phenoxyethanol(ethyleneglycolmonophenylether);2-Phenoxyethanol, tested according to Ph.Eur.;D08359;97692-EP2287158A1;97692-EP2305662A1;97692-EP2372017A1;A805003;SR-01000838345;I01-8824;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;InChI=1/C8H10O2/c9-6-7-10-8-4-2-1-3-5-8/h1-5,9H,6-7H;2-Phenoxyethanol, 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;Phenoxyethanol;PHENOXY ETANOL;FENOKSİ ETANOL;Fenoksietanol;fenoksi ethanol;fenoksı ethanol;Phenoxyethanol;phenoxy etanol;fenoksiethanol;Phenoxyethanol;phenoxyetanol;fenoksıethanol;Fenoksi Ethanol;Phenoxyethanol;Fenoksietanol;Phenoxy Etanol;FenoksiEthanol;Phenoxyethanol;Fenoksietanol;PhenoxyEtanol;fenoksiethanol;2-Phenoxyethanol;2-Phenoxyethyl alcohol;3-ETHYL-2-HEPTANOL;DOWANOL(TM) EPH;ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOPHENYL ETHER;ETHYLENE GLYCOL PHENYL ETHER;MONOPHENYL GLYCOL;PHENOXETOL;Phenoxyethanol;PhenoxyethanolUM;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;Phenoxyethanolandcosmetics;Phenoxyethanol and application;Phenoxyethanol and cosmetics;Phenoxyethanol AND APPLICATION; Phenoxyethanol AND COSMETICS; Phenoxyethanol ; FENOKSİ ETANOL; 2-Fenoksietanol; (2-hidroksi-etil)-fenil eter; Fenoksetol, etilen glikol fenil eter; Phenoxyethanol; Fenoksietanol; Fenoksietanol; Phenoxyethanol; Phenoxyethanol ; FENOKSİETANOL; PHENOKSY ETHANOL ; FENOXY ETANOL; Le phénoxyéthanol ;phénoxyéthanol; Fenoksietanol; Fenoksi etanol
 

PHENOXYETHANOL

Phenoxyethanol
 

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol
2-Phenoxyethanol-Line-Structure.svg
Phenoxyethanol 3d structure.png
Names
IUPAC name
2-Phenoxyethanol
Other names
Phenoxyethanol
Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether
Phenoxytolarosol
Dowanol EP / EPH
Protectol PE
Emery 6705
Rose ether
1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane
β-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
Phenyl cellosolve
Identifiers of Phenoxyethanol
CAS Number of Phenoxyethanol
122-99-6 ☑
3D model (JSmol)
Interactive image
ChEBI 
CHEBI:64275 ☒
ChEMBL 
ChEMBL1229846 ☒
ChemSpider 
13848467 ☑
ECHA InfoCard    100.004.173
PubChem CID
31236
Properties of Phenoxyethanol
Chemical formula of Phenoxyethanol
C8H10O2
Molar mass of Phenoxyethanol    138.166 g·mol-1
Appearance of Phenoxyethanol    Colorless oily liquid
Odor of Phenoxyethanol    faint rose-like
Density    of Phenoxyethanol1.102 g/cm3
Melting point of Phenoxyethanol    -2 °C (28 °F; 271 K)
Boiling point of Phenoxyethanol    247 °C (477 °F; 520 K)
Solubility of Phenoxyethanol in water
26 g/kg
Solubility of Phenoxyethanol    Chloroform, Alkali, diethyl ether: soluble
Solubility of Phenoxyethanol in peanut oil    slightly
Solubility of Phenoxyethanol in olive oil    slightly
Solubility of Phenoxyethanol in acetone    miscible
Solubility of Phenoxyethanol in ethanol    miscible
Solubility of Phenoxyethanol in glycerol    miscible
Vapor pressure of Phenoxyethanol    0.001 kPa
Thermal conductivity    0.169 W/(m⋅K)
Refractive index (nD)
1.534 (20 ℃)
Hazards
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) 
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond
130
Flash point of Phenoxyethanol    121 °C (250 °F; 394 K)
Related compounds
Related compounds
phenetole
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references
Phenoxyethanol is a germicidal and germistatic glycol ether, phenol ether, and aromatic alcohol often used together with quaternary ammonium compounds.
 

 

Use of Phenoxyethanol
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.[4] In Japan and the EU, its concentration in cosmetics is restricted to 1%.[5]

 

Production of Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is produced by the hydroxyethylation of phenol (Williamson synthesis), for example, in the presence of alkali-metal hydroxides or alkali-metal borohydrides.[1]
 

 

Efficacy of Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and the yeast Candida albicans.[6]
 

Phenoxyethanol by Lanxess is used as a crosslinking agent. Phenoxyethanol is effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria and fungi. Phenoxyethanol complies with FDA 21 CFR 175.105 for indirect food contact use in adhesives.

 

What is Phenoxyethanol? 
Phenoxyethanol 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, Phenoxyethanol is known as a glycol ether, or in other words, a solvent. CosmeticsInfo.org describes Phenoxyethanol 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 Phenoxyethanol used? 
Many mainstream and boutique cosmetics products contain Phenoxyethanol. Phenoxyethanol's often used as a preservative or stabilizer for other ingredients that might otherwise deteriorate, spoil, or become less effective too quickly.
 

Phenoxyethanol is also used in other industries, including in vaccines and textiles. This article focuses on Phenoxyethanol's role in topical cosmetics.

 

How does Phenoxyethanol appear on the label? 
You might see this ingredient listed in a few ways:
 

 

Phenoxyethanol
ethylene glycol monophenyl ether
2-Phenoxyethanol
PhE
dowanol
arosol
phenoxetol
rose ether
phenoxyethyl alcohol
beta-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
euxyl K® 400, a mixture of Phenoxyethanol and 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane
 

 

What cosmetics is Phenoxyethanol found in? 
You can find Phenoxyethanol as an ingredient in a wide variety of cosmetics and hygiene products, including:
 

 

perfume
foundation
blush
lipstick
soaps
hand sanitizer
ultrasound gel, and more
Perhaps most famously in the public consciousness, Phenoxyethanol 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, Phenoxyethanol works as a stabilizer. In other cosmetics, Phenoxyethanol'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 Phenoxyethanol in their products as a substitute.

But is Phenoxyethanol safer than parabens for topical use in humans?

Is Phenoxyethanol 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.
 

The FDA currently allows the use of this ingredient in cosmetics, and as an indirect food additive.

An expert panel from The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) first reviewed all available data on this chemical in 1990. They deemed it safe when applied topically in concentrations of 1 percent or lower.

In 2007, the panel reviewed newly available data, then confirmed their former decision that it's safe for adults to use topically in very low concentrations.

The European Commission on Health and Food Safety also gives this chemical a "safe" rating when used in cosmetics at a 1-percent or less concentration. However, this report notes that using several products all containing a low dose could result in overexposure.

Japan also restricts use in cosmetics to a 1-percent concentration.

 

Possible health concerns 
Allergies and skin irritation
In humans
Phenoxyethanol 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.
 

Several studies have shown both humans and animals can experience:

 

skin irritation
rashes
eczema
hives
In one study on a human subject, this chemical caused hives and anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction) in a patient who used topical skin products with the ingredient. Though, anaphylaxis from this chemical is very rare.
 

In another case report, ultrasound gel that contained this chemical caused contact dermatitis in a human subject.

Both of these cases are just examples of many similar incidences of this chemical causing irritation and rashes in humans. But the frequency of these symptoms is very low when compared to how often people are exposed with no notable side effects. And they're generally thought to be caused by allergies.

 

In infants
Phenoxyethanol is thought to cause central nervous system damage in exposed infants. However, there's no known significant risk to the mother, or other healthy adults without allergies.
 

 

In animals
The European Commission on Health and Food Safety cites multiple studies where rabbits and rats exposed to the chemical had skin irritation, even at low levels.
 

 

The bottom line
You should avoid this chemical if you're:
 

 

allergic to Phenoxyethanol
pregnant
breastfeeding
considering using on a child under 3-years old
The risks outweigh the possible benefits in those cases.
 

 

However, if you're a healthy adult with no history of skin allergy, you likely don't need to worry about exposure through cosmetics under a 1-percent concentration. You should, however, be aware of layering too many products containing Phenoxyethanol at one time, since Phenoxyethanol can accumulate.
EC NUMBER: 204-589-7
 

 

Molecular Formula of Phenoxyethanol
C8H10O2
 

 

C6H5OC2H4OH
Chemical and Physical Properties of Phenoxyethanol
 

 

Property Name 
Molecular Weight:    138.166 g/mol
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count:    1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count:    2
Rotatable Bond Count:    3
Complexity:    77.3
Topological Polar Surface Area:    29.5 A^2
Monoisotopic Mass:    138.068 g/mol
Exact Mass:    138.068 g/mol
XLogP3:    1.2
Compound Is Canonicalized:    true
Formal Charge:    0
Heavy Atom Count:    10
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count:    0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count:    0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count:    0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count:    0
Isotope Atom Count:    0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count:    1
 

Experimental Properties of Phenoxyethanol

Physical Description of Phenoxyethanol

Ethylene glycol phenyl ether is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Density 1.02 g / cm3. An irritant.

 

Color of Phenoxyethanol
Oily liquid
 

 

Odor of Phenoxyethanol
Faint aromatic odor
 

 

Taste of Phenoxyethanol
Burning taste
 

 

Boiling Point of Phenoxyethanol
473.4° F at 760 mm Hg
 

 

Melting Point of Phenoxyethanol
57° F
 
Density of Phenoxyethanol
1.104
 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION & APPLICATIONS of Phenoxyethanol

Glycol ethers, with the combination of ether, alcohol and hydrocarbon chain in one molecule, provide versatile solvency characteristics with both polar and non-polar properties. The chemical structure of long hydrocarbon chain resist to solubility in water, while ether or alcohol groups introduce the promoted hydrophilic solubility performance. This surfactant-like structure provides the compatibility between water and a number of organic solvents, and the ability to couple unlike phases. Glycol ethers are characterized by their wide range of hydrophilic/hydrophobic balances. glycol ethers are used as diluents and levelling agents in the manufacture of paints and baking finishes. Glycol ether series are used in the manufacture of nitrocellulose and combination lacquers. They are used as an additive in brake fluid. They are formulated for dying textiles and leathers and for insecticides and herbicides. They provides performance in cleaners products with oil-water dispersions. They are used in printing industries as they have a slow evaporation rate. They are used as a fixative for perfumes, germicides, bactericides, insect repellents and antiseptic. They are used as an additive for jet fuel to prevent ice buildup. Glymes, dimethyl ethers, have two terminal methyl groups which offer stability and high solvency. They are useful as solubilizers and phase transfer catalysts. Glymes offer the property required as an inert reaction medium chemical reaction due to their low chemical reactivity. They are suitable particularly for organometallic and polymerization reactions. Glycol ethers which contain hydroxyl group are also useful chemical intermediate. The hydroxyl group will undergo reaction with aldehydes (or ketones) to produce hemiacetals (or acetals), with epoxides to produce polyether alcohols, with halogenating agents to produce alkoxy alkyl halides, with carboxylic acid compounds or inorganic acids to produce a number of esters.

Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in personal care products including detergents, cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals. It provides a broad spectrum anti-microbial activity against either gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria, yeasts and moulds. It is soluble in many non-polar ingredients and contributes solvency activity. Its activity is effective in protein-based products also. In most countries, it is permitted to a maximum of 1% concentration.

CAS Number: 122-99-6; IUPAC name: 2-Phenoxyethanol; Phenoxyethanol; Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether; Phenoxytolarosol;Dowanol EP / EPH; Protectol PE; Emery 6705; Rose ether;1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane

;β-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether; Phenyl cellosolve;Ethylene glycol phenyl ether;2-PHENOXYETHANOL; Cas No: 122-99-6; Phenoxyethanol; Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether; Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-; Phenyl cellosolve; Phenoxytol; Phenoxethol; Phenoxetol; Ethylene glycol phenyl ether; Phenoxyethyl alcohol

; 2-Phenoxyethan-1-Ol; 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane; Rose ether; Phenylmonoglycol ether; 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;2-phenoxyethanol; Emuclens;Erisept; ethylene glycol monophenyl ether; phenoxethol; phenoxyethanol

 

2-Phenoxyethanol, also known as phenyl cellosolve or phenoxytol, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as phenol ethers. These are aromatic compounds containing an ether group substituted with a benzene ring. 2-Phenoxyethanol exists as a solid, soluble (in water), and an extremely weak acidic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). 2-Phenoxyethanol has been detected in multiple biofluids, such as feces and saliva. Within the cell, 2-phenoxyethanol is primarily located in the cytoplasm. 2-Phenoxyethanol exists in all eukaryotes, ranging from yeast to humans. 2-Phenoxyethanol can be biosynthesized from phenol. 2-Phenoxyethanol is a potentially toxic compound.

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

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%.

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

Efficacy: Phenoxyethanol is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and the yeast Candida albicans

Safety: Phenoxyethanol is a vaccine preservative and potential allergen, which may result in a nodular reaction at the site of injection. It reversibly inhibits NMDAR-mediated ion currents.

Ingestion may cause central nervous system and respiratory depression, vomiting and diarrhea in infants, particularly when combined with chlorphenesin

 

Phenoxyethanol, 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. Phenoxyethanol

has a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeasts, and mold. The typical use level in formulations is 0,5 – 0,8%, and it is often combined with other preservatives, like Ethylhexyl glycerin, Hexylene glycol, Benzyl alcohol, Benzoic acid, Potassium

sorbate, Dehydroacetic acid, Chlorphenesin or Capryl glycol. The European Economic Community (EEC). Cosmetics Derivative and the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union approved Phenoxyethanol in concentrations up 1%.

APPLICATIONS: Skin care - Make up - Hair care – Deodorant- ToiletriesCleansers- Sun care - Body care – Fragrances – Wet wipes

FORMULATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Phenoxyethanol, 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. Phenoxyethanol

has a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeasts, and mold. The typical use level in formulations is 0,5 – 0,8%, and it is often combined

with other preservatives, like Ethylhexyl glycerin, Hexylene glycol, Benzyl alcohol, Benzoic acid, Potassium sorbate, Dehydroacetic acid, Chlorphenesin or Capryl glycol. The European Economic Community (EEC)

Cosmetics Derivative and the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union approved Phenoxyethanol in concentrations up 1%.

 

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 ℃)

 

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.[5] Phenoxyethanol is also used as to stabilize 

components found in perfumes and soaps.

 

 

What Is It?

Phenoxyethanol is an oily, slightly sticky liquid with a faint rose-like scent. It is used as a preservative in a wide variety of both leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products, including skin care, eye makeup, fragrances, blushers, foundations, lipstick, bath soaps, and detergents, among others. Phenoxyethanol has been reviewed by experts worldwide who have concluded it is safe as used in these products.

 

Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?

Phenoxyethanol has been used safely since the 1950s as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. It is highly effective in preventing the growth of fungi, bacteria, and yeast that could cause products to spoil, just like food. The use of preservatives enhances products’ shelf life and safety.

 

Products that contain water are susceptible to mold, discoloration, or unpleasant odors caused by the bacteria and fungi naturally present in the environment. As cosmetics are used, they come in contact with the skin and applicators that contact the skin, thus potentially exposing the product to these harmful microorganisms.

 

Under certain conditions, an inadequately preserved product can become contaminated, which could cause health problems such as irritation or infection. Products contaminated by microorganisms may also negatively impact how the product performs, looks, feels, and smells. Preservatives like phenoxyethanol help prevent such problems.

 

2-phenoxyethanol 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. It is a hydroxyether, a primary alcohol and an aromatic ether. It derives from a phenol.

Ethylene glycol phenyl ether is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Density 1.02 g / cm3. An irritant.