Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a widely used cosmetic preservative that EU rules allow up to a set maximum concentration.
- Used in
- Cosmetic ingredient (INCI)
- Role
- Preservative
Also listed as
Contains / relevant to
- Buying for a child: Ingredients with age-restricted label guidance.
What to look for on labels
- Cosmetic ingredient lists use INCI names, in descending order of concentration down to 1 %; ingredients below 1 % can follow in any order.
- Ask your paediatrician before using leave-on products on very young children.
Related
- EthylhexylglycerinEthylhexylglycerin is a cosmetic ingredient that supports preservatives and conditions the skin.
- MethylparabenMethylparaben is a preservative from the paraben family, used to stop microbes growing in cosmetics.
- Benzyl alcoholBenzyl alcohol is a cosmetic preservative and solvent, and one of the EU fragrance allergens that must be…
- How to read cosmetic INCI lists for sensitive skinGuide
Sources
EU limits its concentration and has issued specific guidance for products used on infants.
- EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex V (allowed preservatives)
- IngrediLens ingredient database (names, flags and notes shown on this page)
Label information, not medical advice. This page describes how an ingredient is named and labelled and how IngrediLens flags it; it cannot tell you whether a product is safe for you. Always read the label on the product itself and follow the advice of your doctor, allergist or dermatologist. If someone shows signs of anaphylaxis, use their adrenaline auto-injector if they have one and call emergency services.
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