What it is
Phenoxyethanol is a colorless, oily glycol ether with a faint rose-like odor and the formula C8H10O2. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines because of its germicidal and germistatic properties. It is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans, though it works better against bacteria than against fungi, so it is commonly paired with other preservatives such as ethylhexylglycerin to broaden coverage. It remains effective across a wide pH range and tolerates moderate heat during manufacturing.
Safety & warnings
Phenoxyethanol has a long record of use and is generally considered a well-tolerated, gentle preservative with good skin tolerance at the low levels permitted in cosmetics. Because it is a preservative, it is one of the more common contact irritants or sensitizers to be aware of in rare cases, and it is often the subject of extra caution in products intended for infants, which is why it is used within regulated concentration limits.
Origin & sourcing
Although phenoxyethanol occurs naturally in some plants such as green tea, the material used as a cosmetic preservative is synthetic, manufactured by the hydroxyethylation of phenol; because the synthetic molecule is identical to the natural one it is sometimes described as nature-identical.
History
Phenoxyethanol was first synthesized in 1896 by W. H. Perkin Jr. and Edward Haworth, who reacted sodium, phenol, and 2-chloroethanol in anhydrous ethanol. It later became established as a cosmetic and pharmaceutical preservative and is now one of the most widely used preservatives in personal care, including as an alternative to parabens.
Questions everyone asks
Why is phenoxyethanol in my sunscreen?
It is a preservative that prevents bacteria and yeast from growing in the product, helping keep the formula safe and stable over its shelf life.
Is phenoxyethanol natural or synthetic?
It occurs naturally in some plants such as green tea, but the version used in cosmetics is synthetically produced and chemically identical to the natural compound.
Why is phenoxyethanol combined with other preservatives?
It is more effective against bacteria than against fungi, so it is often paired with ingredients like ethylhexylglycerin to give broader protection.