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Phenyl cellosolve is an aromatic glycol ether characterized by a phenyl ring linked through an ether bond to an ethyl alcohol chain, giving it both lipophilic and hydrophilic properties.
Phenyl cellosolve is widely used as a preservative, solvent, and stabilizer in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and household products, offering broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection while maintaining skin compatibility.
Thanks to its chemical stability, relatively low volatility, and multifunctional performance, Phenyl cellosolve has become a key ingredient across cosmetic, pharmaceutical, household, and coating industries.
CAS Number: 122-99-6
EC Number: 204-589-7
Molecular Formula: C8H10O2
Molar Mass: 138.16 g/mol
Synonyms: 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], Ethanol,2-phenoxy-, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Arosol, Dowanol EP, Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, β-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether, 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane, Phenoxethol, Phenoxetol, Phenoxyethyl alcohol, Phenyl cellosolve, Phenoxyethanol, 2-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether, β-Phenoxyethyl alcohol, β-Phenoxyethanol, 2-Phenoxyethyl alcohol, Ethylene glycol phenyl ether, Dalpad A, Dowanol EPh, H 4644, Newpol EFP, (2-Hydroxyethoxy)benzene, Rokafenol F 1, Plastilit DS 3431, PHE-G, Phenova, PHE, PHE (alcohol), PHE-S, NSC 1864, Sepicide LD, Hisolve EPH, Emeressence 1160, Euxyl PE 90120, Agrisol PX 401, Ultrasolve P 240A, PhG, RGP 55, Protectol PE, Glycol Ether EPh, Phenyl Glycol, JS-EPh, NEOLONE PH 100, HYSOLVE EPH, Kafurekuto PE 1, Phenoxyethanol SP, Acticide PHE, 37220-49-8, 56257-90-0, 1020398-73-5
Phenyl cellosolve is an aromatic alcohol consisting of a phenoxy group attached to an ethyl alcohol chain.
Phenyl cellosolve is a colorless to slightly yellow, viscous liquid with a faint floral odor, soluble in most organic solvents and moderately soluble in water.
Phenyl cellosolve's chemical structure provides both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, making it useful as a solvent, preservative, and intermediate in chemical synthesis.
Industrially, Phenyl cellosolve is employed in fragrances, cosmetics, and household cleaning products, where it functions as a stabilizer and antimicrobial agent.
In addition, Phenyl cellosolve finds applications in pharmaceuticals and coatings due to its ability to enhance solubility, provide mild antimicrobial protection, and improve formulation stability.
Phenyl cellosolve is used in many applications such as cosmetics, vaccines and pharmaceuticals as a preservative.
Phenyl cellosolve is an aromatic ether that is phenol substituted on oxygen by a 2-hydroxyethyl group.
Phenyl cellosolve has a role as an antiinfective agent and a central nervous system depressant.
Phenyl cellosolve is a primary alcohol, a glycol ether and an aromatic ether.
Phenyl cellosolve is functionally related to a phenol.
Phenyl cellosolve is the organic compound with the formula C6H5OC2H4OH.
Phenyl cellosolve is a colorless oily liquid.
Phenyl cellosolve can be classified as a glycol ether and a phenol ether.
Phenyl cellosolve is a common preservative in vaccine formulations.
Phenyl cellosolve has a faint rose-like aroma.
Phenyl cellosolve is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and the yeast Candida albicans.
Phenyl cellosolve is an aromatic ether that is phenol substituted on oxygen by a 2-hydroxyethyl group.
Phenyl cellosolve has a role as an antiinfective agent and a central nervous system depressant.
Phenyl cellosolve is a primary alcohol, a glycol ether and an aromatic ether.
Phenyl cellosolve is functionally related to a phenol.
Phenyl cellosolveis a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor.
Phenyl cellosolve is an aromatic ether that is phenol substituted on oxygen by a 2-hydroxyethyl group.
Phenyl cellosolve has a role as an antiinfective agent and a central nervous system depressant.
Phenyl cellosolve is a primary alcohol, a glycol ether and an aromatic ether.
Phenyl cellosolve derives from a phenol.
Phenyl cellosolve is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor.
Phenyl cellosolve is a glycol ether used as a perfume fixative, insect repellent, antiseptic, solvent, preservative, and also as an anesthetic in fish aquaculture.
Phenyl cellosolve is an ether alcohol with aromatic properties.
Phenyl cellosolve is both naturally found and manufactured synthetically.
Demonstrating antimicrobial ability, Phenyl cellosolve acts as an effective preservative in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and lubricants.
Phenyl cellosolve is the most commonly used globally-approved preservative in personal care formulations.
Phenyl cellosolve is very easy to use in various types of formulations and is chemically stable.
Phenyl cellosolve is a colorless, clear, oily liquid with a faint aromatic odor at room temperature and a low water solubility and evaporation rate.
Phenyl cellosolve is produced by reacting phenol (EU) and ethylene oxide (EU) at a high temperature and pressure.
Phenyl cellosolve occurs naturally in green tea (EU).
According to the European Union Cosmetics Regulation (EC) n.1223/2009, phenoxyethanol is authorized as a preservative in cosmetic formulations at a maximum concentration of 1.0%. Phenyl cellosolve has been classified as an antimicrobial and preservative by Health Canada.
Phenyl cellosolve has also been used in vaccines and shown to inactivate bacteria, and several types of yeast.
Phenyl cellosolve is a colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a faint pleasant odor and burning taste.
Phenyl cellosolve is a tried-and-tested preservative, which is welltolerated by the skin and has a low allergy risk.
Phenyl cellosolve 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.
Phenyl cellosolve does not smell unpleasant or change the color of the product, which can be the case when using natural antimicrobial substances.
Phenyl cellosolve is an aromatic glycol ether characterized by a phenyl ring linked through an ether bond to an ethyl alcohol chain, giving it both lipophilic and hydrophilic properties.
Phenyl cellosolve appears as a clear to pale yellow, slightly viscous liquid with a mild floral odor, moderately soluble in water but readily miscible with alcohols and organic solvents.
Owing to its dual chemical functionality, Phenyl cellosolve serves as a versatile compound in multiple industries.
In cosmetics and personal care products, Phenyl cellosolve is widely used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, offering broad-spectrum protection against bacteria and fungi while maintaining skin compatibility at low concentrations.
In perfumery, Phenyl cellosolve acts as a stabilizer and fixative, prolonging fragrance retention and contributing subtle floral notes.
Industrially, Phenyl cellosolve functions as a solvent and co-solvent in resins, inks, coatings, and dyes, improving solubility, viscosity, and flow behavior.
Additionally, Phenyl cellosolve is employed in pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals as an intermediate in synthesis, where its phenoxy and hydroxyl groups provide reactive sites for further modification.
Thanks to its chemical stability, relatively low volatility, and multifunctional performance, Phenyl cellosolve has become a key ingredient across cosmetic, pharmaceutical, household, and coating industries.
Market Overview of Phenyl Cellosolve:
The global Phenyl cellosolve market is experiencing steady growth, largely driven by its widespread use in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and household products as a preservative, solvent, and fragrance stabilizer.
Market research indicates that the industry was valued between USD 170–220 million in 2022–2024 and is projected to reach USD 235–370 million by the early 2030s, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of about 4–6%.
The key driver of demand is the growing preference for paraben-free formulations in skincare, haircare, and hygiene products, where phenoxyethanol offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection while maintaining stability and safety at low concentrations.
Regionally, Asia-Pacific dominates the market, supported by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and expanding cosmetics consumption, while Europe and North America also contribute significantly due to strict regulations favoring safer preservative alternatives.
Despite Phenyl cellosolve's positive trajectory, the market faces challenges from health and regulatory scrutiny, pushing manufacturers to balance efficacy with compliance.
Overall, phenoxyethanol remains a critical multifunctional ingredient, and Phenyl cellosolve's market outlook reflects consistent expansion across consumer and industrial applications.
Uses of Phenyl Cellosolve:
Phenyl cellosolve is widely used in diverse industries thanks to its preservative, solvent, and stabilizing properties.
In cosmetics and personal care products, Phenyl cellosolve is one of the most common preservatives in creams, lotions, shampoos, and makeup, valued for protecting formulations against bacterial and fungal contamination while remaining gentle on the skin.
In perfumery, Phenyl cellosolve acts as a fragrance fixative, slowing the evaporation of volatile compounds and enhancing the longevity of scents.
In the pharmaceutical sector, Phenyl cellosolve is incorporated into topical medications, vaccines, and antiseptic formulations, both as a preservative and a solvent for active ingredients.
In industrial applications, Phenyl cellosolve is used as a solvent and co-solvent in resins, dyes, coatings, inks, and cleaning agents, where it improves solubility, viscosity, and dispersion of ingredients.
Phenyl cellosolve's combination of antimicrobial efficacy, chemical stability, and broad compatibility has made it a standard multifunctional additive across multiple product categories, from consumer goods to specialty chemicals.
Phenyl cellosolve is a broad-range preservative with fungicidal, bactericidal, insecticidal, and germicidal properties.
Phenyl cellosolve has a relatively low sensitizing factor in leave-on cosmetics.
Phenyl cellosolve 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, Phenyl cellosolve is used as a solvent for aftershaves, face and hair lotions, shampoos, and skin creams of all types.
Phenyl cellosolve can be obtained from phenol.
Ethylene glycol phenyl ether at a 1.0% level acts as a preservative in personal care products.
Phenyl cellosolve 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.
Phenyl cellosolve also contains 2-phenoxyethanol, in combination with methyldibromoglutaronitrile.
Phenyl cellosolve is commonly used in cosmetics for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Phenyl cellosolve 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.
Phenyl cellosolve 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.
Antimicrobial preservative; also used topically in treatment of bacterial infections.
Phenyl cellosolve has germicidal and germistatic properties.
Phenyl cellosolve is often used together with quaternary ammonium compounds.
Phenyl cellosolve 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.
Phenyl cellosolve is an alternative to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
In Japan and the European Union, Phenyl cellosolve's concentration in cosmetics is restricted to 1%.
Phenyl cellosolve can be used in water mixable lubricants, in paints and varnishes as coalescing agent and as a modifier in melamine formaldehyde resins
Phenyl cellosolve is used as a solvent in ball pen and printing inks.
Phenyl cellosolve is used as a striping agent and in the surface treatment of metals as degreaser.
Phenyl cellosolve's biostatic abilities is often used in combination with other actives to preserve metal working fluids, glues and industrial adhesives
Pharmaceutical Applications:
Phenyl cellosolve is an antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics and topical pharmaceutical formulations at a concentration of 0.5–1.0%.
Phenyl cellosolve 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.
Phenyl cellosolve has a narrow spectrum of activity and is thus frequently used in combination with other preservatives.
Industrial uses:
Phenyl cellosolve is used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations at a maximum concentration of 1.0%.
Phenyl cellosolve is a broad spectrum preservative which has excellent activity against a wide range of Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, yeast and mould.
Phenyl cellosolve is also used as a solvent and, because of its properties as a solvent, it is used in many blends and mixtures with other preservatives.
Phenyl cellosolve is not registered as a food additive in the EU.
Scognamiglio et al. reported that 2-phenoxyethanol is a fragrance ingredient used in many fragrance mixtures (see discussion).
An ester of Phenyl cellosolve, 2-Phenoxyethyl isobutyrate and 2-Phenoxyacetic acid, the main metabolite of 2-Phenoxyethanol, were mentioned in a WHO publication where 43 flavouring agents in food were evaluated, however at intakes assessed to be very low in Europe.
Benefits of Phenyl Cellosolve:
Phenyl cellosolve offers multiple benefits that explain its widespread use across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
Phenyl cellosolve's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity makes it highly effective at inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold, allowing it to serve as a safe and reliable preservative in personal care products, often used as an alternative to parabens.
Phenyl cellosolve also functions as a fragrance stabilizer and fixative, helping perfumes and cosmetic formulations retain their scent for longer periods.
Thanks to Phenyl cellosolve's dual solubility profile—both lipophilic and hydrophilic—it improves the solubility, stability, and spreadability of formulations, enhancing product performance.
Industrially, Phenyl cellosolve acts as a versatile solvent and co-solvent, improving pigment dispersion in inks and coatings, optimizing flow in resins, and aiding in the uniform distribution of active compounds.
Phenyl cellosolve is generally regarded as safe at low concentrations, non-sensitizing for most users, and compatible with a wide range of ingredients, which makes it a preferred choice in modern formulations.
Altogether, these properties make phenoxyethanol a multi-functional, stable, and efficient additive valued for extending shelf life, improving product quality, and maintaining consumer safety.
Production of Phenyl Cellosolve:
Phenyl cellosolve is produced mainly through organic synthesis, most commonly by the etherification of phenol with ethylene oxide or ethylene chlorohydrin, followed by hydrolysis to yield the final hydroxyl-containing product.
This process takes advantage of the reactivity of ethylene derivatives, allowing the introduction of the –CH₂CH₂OH group to the phenoxy moiety.
Industrial production typically employs acidic or basic catalysts to promote the reaction, ensuring high yields and selectivity.
Alternative routes may involve reaction of phenol with ethylene carbonate under catalytic conditions, which can offer improved efficiency and reduced by-products.
Once synthesized, the crude product undergoes purification steps such as distillation to achieve the desired purity, since residual phenol or ethylene-based intermediates must be minimized for safe use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Large-scale production is concentrated in regions with strong petrochemical and fine chemical industries, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe, which supply both global consumer product companies and industrial users.
Overall, the production process balances efficiency, cost, and regulatory compliance, given that Phenyl cellosolve is used in sensitive applications requiring high purity and consistent quality.
Synthesis of Phenyl Cellosolve:
Phenyl cellosolve is synthesized by introducing a hydroxyethyl group to phenol through etherification reactions.
The most common route is the reaction of phenol with ethylene oxide, in which the nucleophilic oxygen of phenol attacks the electrophilic carbon of ethylene oxide, opening the epoxide ring and forming the ether bond.
The resulting intermediate, 2-phenoxyethanol, contains both the phenyl ether group and the terminal hydroxyl group.
Another industrially important pathway involves the reaction of phenol with ethylene chlorohydrin (ClCH₂CH₂OH) under basic conditions, where substitution of the chlorine atom by the phenoxide ion yields the desired alcohol.
A greener and increasingly studied alternative is the catalytic reaction of phenol with ethylene carbonate, where transesterification produces 2-phenoxyethanol along with carbon dioxide as a by-product, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly process.
In all methods, the final compound is typically purified by vacuum distillation to achieve the high purity required for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals.
History of Phenyl Cellosolve:
Phenyl cellosolve, commonly known as phenoxyethanol, was first synthesized in the early 20th century as part of the growing field of glycol ether chemistry, which explored reactions of phenolic compounds with ethylene derivatives such as ethylene oxide and chlorohydrin.
Initially, Phenyl cellosolve's applications were limited to laboratory use as a solvent and chemical intermediate, but by the 1940s–1950s, Phenyl cellosolve began gaining industrial attention as a preservative and stabilizer in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, thanks to its broad antimicrobial activity and compatibility with other ingredients.
With the increasing concerns over the safety of traditional preservatives such as parabens during the late 20th century, phenoxyethanol emerged as one of the most widely accepted alternatives, especially in Europe and Japan, where regulatory agencies encouraged safer preservative choices.
Over the decades, Phenyl cellosolve established itself as a multifunctional additive, serving not only as a preservative in personal care products but also as a solvent in inks, coatings, and cleaning agents.
Today, phenoxyethanol is recognized globally as a standard preservative and solvent, with its history reflecting the evolution of modern consumer product safety, regulatory compliance, and the search for versatile chemical ingredients.
Handling and Storage of Phenyl Cellosolve:
Handling:
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Do not breathe vapors or mists.
Use only in well-ventilated areas or under local exhaust ventilation.
Wear appropriate protective equipment (gloves, goggles, lab coat). Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Protect from heat, direct sunlight, and sources of ignition.
Keep away from strong oxidizers and acids.
Stability and Reactivity of Phenyl Cellosolve:
Stability:
Stable under normal temperature and pressure conditions.
Reactivity:
May react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and alkali metals.
Thermal decomposition or combustion can produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and phenolic vapors.
First Aid Measures of Phenyl Cellosolve:
Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air.
If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen.
Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact:
Wash immediately with soap and plenty of water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
Get medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally.
Remove contact lenses if present.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth thoroughly with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Give plenty of water to drink and seek medical attention immediately.
Firefighting Measures of Phenyl Cellosolve:
Extinguishing Media:
Use carbon dioxide, foam, dry chemical powder, or water spray.
Hazards:
Burning may release toxic fumes such as CO and CO₂.
Protective Equipment:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective clothing.
Accidental Release Measures of Phenyl Cellosolve:
Personal Precautions:
Wear protective gloves, goggles, and suitable clothing.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Avoid inhalation of vapors.
Spill Cleanup:
Absorb with inert material (sand, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite).
Place in suitable container for disposal.
Wash spill area with water after cleanup.
Prevent entry into drains and waterways.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protection of Phenyl Cellosolve:
Engineering Controls:
Provide local exhaust or general ventilation to keep airborne levels low.
Personal Protection:
Respiratory:
Use approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded.
Skin:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene).
Eyes:
Use safety goggles or face shield.
Body:
Wear protective clothing (lab coat, apron).
Hygiene Measures:
Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling the substance.
Wash hands and face thoroughly after use.
Identifiers of Phenyl Cellosolve:
IUPAC Name: 2-Phenoxyethan-1-ol
Common Name: Phenoxyethanol
CAS Number: 122-99-6
EC Number (EINECS): 204-589-7
UNII (FDA): 6Q0509954X
PubChem CID: 31249
RTECS Number: KM0350000
Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₀O₂
Molar Mass: 138.16 g/mol
InChI: InChI=1S/C8H10O2/c9-6-7-10-8-4-2-1-3-5-8/h1-5,9H,6-7H2
InChI Key: YPHBUMXRVZVETO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: C1=CC=C(C=C1)OCCO
CAS Number: 122-99-6
EC Number (EINECS): 204-589-7
UNII (FDA): 6Q0509954X
PubChem CID: 31249
RTECS Number: KM0350000
KEGG ID: C19157
ChEBI ID: 31736
Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₀O₂
Molecular Weight: 138.16 g/mol
InChI: InChI=1S/C8H10O2/c9-6-7-10-8-4-2-1-3-5-8/h1-5,9H,6-7H2
InChI Key: YPHBUMXRVZVETO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES (canonical): OCCOc1ccccc1
Chemical Class: Aromatic ether alcohol (glycol ether family)
REACH Registration Number (EU): 01-2119488943-21-0000
HS Code (Customs): 29094900 (Ethers of other polyhydric alcohols)
TSCA Status (USA): Listed
ECHA Index Number: 603-098-00-9
FDA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (INCI Name): Phenoxyethanol
Properties of Phenyl Cellosolve:
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
Fp: >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℃)
Odor: Faint aromatic odor
PH Range: 7 at 10 g/l at 23 °C
PH: 7 (10g/l, H2O, 23℃)
Explosive limit: 1.4-9.0%(V)
Odor Type: floral
Water Solubility: 30 g/L (20 ºC)
Merck: 14,7257
BRN: 1364011
InChIKey: QCDWFXQBSFUVSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP: 1.2 at 23℃
CAS DataBase Reference: 122-99-6(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference: Phenyl cellosolve(122-99-6)
EPA Substance Registry System: Phenyl cellosolve (122-99-6)
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow, slightly viscous liquid
Odor: Mild, faintly floral / rose-like
Taste: Slightly bitter (not for consumption, lab reference only)
Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₀O₂
Molecular Weight: 138.16 g/mol
Chemical Class: Aromatic ether alcohol (glycol ether family)
Melting Point: –2 °C
Boiling Point: ~247 °C at 1013 hPa
Flash Point: ~121 °C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: ~475 °C
Decomposition Temperature: >200 °C (gives off irritating vapors: CO, CO₂, phenolics)
