Phenoxyethanol

AKA: ● 2-PHENOXYETHANOL, SAJ FIRST GRADE
Synthetic
Preservative
Not Clean
Phenoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It is a glycol ether used as a perfume fixative, insect repellent, antiseptic, solvent, preservative, and also as an anesthetic in fish aquaculture. Phenoxyethanol is an ether alcohol with aromatic properties. It is both naturally found and manufactured synthetically. Demonstrating antimicrobial ability, phenoxyethanol acts as an effective preservative in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and lubricants. Phenoxyethanol (EU), or PE, is the most commonly used globally-approved preservative in personal care formulations. It is very easy to use in various types of formulations and is chemically stable. Phenoxyethanol is a colorless, clear, oily liquid with a faint aromatic odor at room temperature and a low water solubility and evaporation rate. It is produced by reacting phenol (EU) and ethylene oxide (EU) at a high temperature and pressure. This substance occurs naturally in green tea (EU). According to the European Union Cosmetics R
Formula
C8H10O2
Mol. Weight
138.16
CAS #
122-99-6
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
A modern reference material used in quality control and analytical testing of pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients; developed in the 20th century to standardize product formulations and ensure consistency.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-4
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
1.0%
0%1%
Reg. Limit
EU/SCCS limit: 1% in cosmetic products. Opinion: SCCS/1575/16
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
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Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR