CosmeticBet
Preservatives

Phenoxyethanol

INCI: PHENOXYETHANOL · also 2-Phenoxyethanol

Keeps germs out of the jar.

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C8H10O2138.16 g/mol
oxygencarbonhydrogen
3D shape from PubChem 31236

How common

All products20%
In face moisturisers49%
In make-up products40%
In body lotions39%

2,995 of 14,784 products with a full ingredient list in Open Beauty Facts; No. 10 of all the names found on their labels.

What it is

  • A preservative used in cosmetics for decades.

    SourceHide
    has been widely used as a preservative in cosmetic products for decades[1] Review · 2019 · open source

Why it is in products

  • It stops many bacteria and yeasts growing in the product, with only a weak effect on the microbes that normally live on skin.

    SourceHide
    It is effective against various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as against yeasts, and has only a weak inhibitory effect on resident skin flora.[1] Review · 2019 · open source

Downsides and safety

  • Allergy to it is rare: it is considered one of the best-tolerated preservatives.

    Good evidence2 sourcesHide
    Despite its widespread use in cosmetic products, phenoxyethanol is a rare sensitizer. It can be considered as one of the most well-tolerated preservatives used in cosmetic products.[1] Review · 2019 · open source
    Allergic contact dermatitis to phenoxyethanol: A rare, but possible cause of hand dermatitis.[2] Study · 2022 · open source

  • In 2012 France’s medicines agency asked for a lower limit (0.4%) in products for children under three. The EU’s scientific committee then judged it safe at up to 1%, children included.

    Well established4 sourcesHide
    In September 2012, the Commission received a risk assessment submitted by the French Agency ANSM[3] EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety · 2016 · open source
    should be lowered to 0.4% in cosmetic products for children less than three years[3] EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety · 2016 · open source
    The SCCS considers 2-phenoxyethanol safe for use as a preservative with a maximum concentration of 1.0%, taking into account the information provided.[3] EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety · 2016 · open source
    Therefore, the MoS of about 50 for children also covers this specific age group who might be higher exposed to 2-phenoxyethanol than adults.[3] EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety · 2016 · open source

Where it works

Works insidethe product

It works in the product, keeping it free of germs.

SourceHide
‘preservatives’ means substances which are exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product[4] EU law · 2026 · open source

Rules

European Union

  • Allowed as a preservative up to 1.0% (Annex V, entry 29).

    SourceHide
    29 2-Phenoxyethanol Phenoxyethanol 122-99-6 204-589-7 1,0 %[4] EU law · 2026 · open source

United States

  • Not on the FDA’s list of prohibited or restricted cosmetic ingredients. In the US, cosmetics and their ingredients (other than colour additives) don’t need FDA approval before sale.

    SourceHide
    Under U.S. law, cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market[5] US Food and Drug Administration · open source
    We searched the FDA’s list of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients: no entry.open the list

How much is used

  • At most 1% in the EU.

    SourceHide
    29 2-Phenoxyethanol Phenoxyethanol 122-99-6 204-589-7 1,0 %[4] EU law · 2026 · open source

Sources

  1. Safety review of phenoxyethanol when used as a preservative in cosmetics Dréno B et al., Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 2019Review
  2. Allergic contact dermatitis to phenoxyethanol: A rare, but possible cause of hand dermatitis Kolodziej M et al., Contact dermatitis, 2022Study
  3. SCCS Opinion on Phenoxyethanol (SCCS/1575/16) European Commission, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, 2016EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety
  4. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, consolidated text of 18 May 2026 Publications Office of the European Union (EUR-Lex/Cellar), 2026EU law
  5. Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetics | FDA US Food and Drug Administration

Checked against these sources on 4 November 2026. Spot a mistake? Tell us.