Heidi Norton
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in many cosmetics and personal care products. It is also used as a fragrance compound in perfumes. It is a colourless to slightly yellow liquid with a pleasant odour often compared to roses. It is generally considered safe for use in concentrations of less than 1% and helps to prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products. However, there have been reports of allergic reactions and skin irritation associated with its use, especially in infants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 2-Phenoxyethanol |
| Synonyms | CoSept PHE, Dowanol EP, Dowanol EPh, Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-; Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, 2-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether, 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane, Igepal OD 410, Phenoxen, Phenoxetol, Phenoxyethyl Alcohol/Arosol, Phenyl cellosolve, Polioxol F-01, Protacide P-OH, REWOPAL MPG 10, Sepicide LD, Tri-K Phenoxyethanol |
| CAS Registry Number | 122-99-6 |
| EINECS Number | 204-589-7 |
| Formula | C8H10O2 |
| Boiling Point | 230 °C |
| Flash Point | 185 F;CC |
| Henry’s Law (calculated) | 0.0000000155 atm m3/mol @ 25 °C |
| Log Kow (calculated) | 1.1 |
| Odor | Mildly rosy, "metallic" |
| Color | Colorless to slightly yellow |
| Type | Preservative, stabilizer, fragrance compound |
| Uses | Cosmetic products, soaps, detergents, perfumes, shampoos, creams, lotions, deodorants, toothpaste, shaving cream, household cleaners, etc. |
| Safety | Generally considered safe for use in concentrations of less than 1% for adults. May cause skin irritation, severe allergic reactions, or nervous system issues in infants. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, and detergents
- It is a fragrance compound with a rose-like scent
- Phenoxyethanol is generally safe for adults in low concentrations
- It can cause skin irritation and severe allergic reactions in some people
- Phenoxyethanol is harmful to infants and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and nervous system issues
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, and detergents
Phenoxyethanol is an ingredient in a wide variety of cosmetics and hygiene products, including shampoo, cream, foundation, sunscreen, conditioner, mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss, shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste, perfume, hair removal waxes, hand sanitizer, and ultrasound gel. It is also found in household products such as detergents and cleaners.
The safety of phenoxyethanol has been a topic of debate, with conflicting data and research available. It is generally considered safe for use in low concentrations of less than 1% for adults, and products containing it tend to have a longer shelf life. However, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with eczema or sensitive skin. It is also harmful to infants and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and a depressed nervous system if ingested.
Overall, while phenoxyethanol is a common preservative in cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, and detergents, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects and take precautions, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or infants.
Fragrance Sensitization: Is It Always Sensory Overload?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is a fragrance compound with a rose-like scent
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in many cosmetics and personal care products. It is also used as a stabiliser in perfumes and soaps. It is a fragrance compound with a rose-like scent.
Chemically, phenoxyethanol is known as a glycol ether, or in other words, a solvent. It is an oily, sticky substance with a pleasant odour often compared to roses. It is colourless to slightly yellow at room temperature and has a long shelf life.
Phenoxyethanol is used to stabilise components found in perfumes and soaps, and to prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products. It is also used to prevent cosmetics from spoiling. It is especially active against bacteria, especially Gram-negative bacteria.
The safety of this chemical is a topic of debate. It is generally considered safe for use in concentrations of less than 1%. However, it has been linked to skin irritation and severe allergic reactions in some individuals. It is also harmful to infants and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and a depressed nervous system.
Phenoxyethanol is a common ingredient in cosmetic products, including shampoos, creams, soaps, perfumes, and other toiletries. It is also found in household cleaners and detergents. It is often used as a preservative or stabiliser for other ingredients that might otherwise deteriorate or spoil.
Melaleuca's Maggie: Fragrance-Free Renewal Lotion Review
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Phenoxyethanol is generally safe for adults in low concentrations
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in many cosmetics and personal care products. It is also used as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps. It is a colourless liquid with a mildly rosy, metallic odour. It is used to limit bacterial growth and prevent fungi and yeast from growing in products, thus increasing their shelf life.
Phenoxyethanol is generally considered safe for adults in low concentrations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deemed it safe for adults when applied topically in concentrations of 1% or lower. The European Commission on Health and Food Safety also gives this chemical a safe rating when used in cosmetics at a 1% or less concentration.
However, it is important to note that some people may be allergic to phenoxyethanol. Skin exposure to this chemical has been linked to allergic reactions ranging from eczema and hives to anaphylaxis. It is also important to be aware of layering too many products containing this ingredient, as it can accumulate.
In addition, while phenoxyethanol is considered safe for adults in low concentrations, it is harmful to infants. The FDA warned consumers in 2008 not to purchase a nipple cream containing phenoxyethanol as it was found to depress the central nervous system and cause vomiting and diarrhoea in breastfeeding infants.
Overall, while phenoxyethanol is generally safe for adults in low concentrations, it is always important to read product labels and be aware of any potential risks or side effects.
Make Wax Tarts: A Beginner's Guide to Fragrance Fun
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can cause skin irritation and severe allergic reactions in some people
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in many cosmetics and personal care products, including perfumes and soaps. It is also found in household products such as detergents and cleaners. It is used to stabilise other ingredients and to limit bacterial growth.
While it is an approved preservative for use in concentrations of up to 1%, some people do experience skin irritation and allergic reactions to phenoxyethanol. It is important to note that these adverse reactions are relatively rare compared to how frequently people are exposed to the chemical. However, some sources claim that phenoxyethanol is more likely to cause irritation than other preservatives like parabens.
Skin exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to allergic reactions ranging from mild irritation and eczema to severe, life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis. A 2015 study found that Doppler ultrasound gel caused skin inflammation and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Another study reported that rabbits and rats exposed to the chemical experienced skin irritation, even at low levels.
It is worth noting that infants are particularly vulnerable to the effects of phenoxyethanol. In 2008, the FDA warned consumers against using a nipple cream containing phenoxyethanol, as it was found to depress the central nervous system and cause vomiting and diarrhoea in breastfeeding infants. Therefore, it is recommended that infants are not exposed to cosmetic products containing this ingredient.
If you are allergic, it is important to read labels and avoid personal care products and vaccines containing phenoxyethanol.
Fragrance Oils: Safe or Toxic for Dogs?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Phenoxyethanol is harmful to infants and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and nervous system issues
Phenoxyethanol is a naturally occurring chemical found in green tea. It is also synthetically produced for use in cosmetic products, perfumes, soaps, and detergents. It serves as a preservative and stabilizer, preventing the growth of fungi, bacteria, and yeast, thus increasing the shelf life of these products.
Phenoxyethanol is considered safe for consumption and use in low concentrations (less than 1%) and is approved by several entities. It is not a primary or cumulative skin irritant and is generally well-tolerated.
However, there are concerns about its potential toxicity, especially in infants. In 2008, a case involving a nipple cream containing phenoxyethanol resulted in adverse effects in breastfeeding infants. The phenoxyethanol in the cream was found to depress the central nervous system, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, limpness, and difficulty waking up after sleep.
Infants are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of phenoxyethanol due to their immature nervous systems. As a result, it is recommended that infants are not exposed to cosmetic products containing this substance.
Additionally, skin exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to allergic reactions, including eczema, hives, and anaphylaxis. Some sources also suggest that phenoxyethanol may have toxic effects on the blood and liver, and there are concerns about its potential impact on the human reproductive system.
While the use of phenoxyethanol in cosmetic products is approved by regulatory bodies, it is essential to exercise caution, especially when using products containing this substance on infants or individuals with sensitive skin.
The Ultimate Fragrance Guide for Men
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in many cosmetics and personal care products. It is also used as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps. It is an oily, sticky substance with a pleasant odour often compared to roses.
The safety of phenoxyethanol is a complicated question. It is approved by several entities for use in products, including consumption, and is generally considered safe for use in concentrations of less than 1%. However, some sources claim that it is harmful and can cause skin irritation and severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. It is also harmful to infants and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and a depressed nervous system.
Phenoxyethanol can be found in a wide variety of cosmetics and household products, including shampoo, cream, soap, body wash, shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste, perfume, and fragrance. It is also used in some Korean beauty products.
