Phenethyl Alcohol – Cosmetic Uses in Fragrance and Preservation

What Is Phenethyl Alcohol?

Phenethyl alcohol, also known as phenylethyl alcohol or 2-phenylethanol, is an aromatic alcohol with a characteristic soft, sweet, rose-like odour. It occurs naturally in rose oil and various other natural materials, although commercial cosmetic-grade phenethyl alcohol is commonly produced synthetically.

Cosmetic Uses of Phenethyl Alcohol

Phenethyl alcohol is widely used in cosmetic and personal care products as a fragrance ingredient and masking agent. Its pleasant floral character makes it particularly useful in perfumes and fragranced skin and hair care products.

It is also used as part of cosmetic preservation systems because of its antimicrobial activity. However, it should not automatically be considered a complete broad-spectrum preservative when used alone. Its effectiveness depends on the concentration, formulation pH, water activity, packaging and other components of the preservation system.

Phenethyl alcohol can be found in:

• Skin care products
• Hair care products
• Cleansers
• Creams and lotions
• Fragrances
• Deodorants

Formulation Considerations

The concentration should be selected according to the intended function. A concentration selected primarily for fragrance may not provide sufficient antimicrobial protection, while a concentration selected for antimicrobial activity can significantly influence the sensory profile of the finished product.

Compatibility with other fragrance materials, preservatives, emulsifiers and active ingredients should be evaluated during formulation development.

Safety

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that phenethyl alcohol is safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products at concentrations of up to 1%. The appropriate concentration in a finished product should nevertheless be determined according to product type, exposure conditions and applicable regulations.

Ingredient Information

INCI: Phenethyl Alcohol
Other Names: Phenylethyl Alcohol, 2-Phenylethanol
CAS: 60-12-8
EINECS/EC: 200-456-2
Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₀O
Molecular Weight: 122.17 g/mol
Chemical Class: Aromatic Alcohol
Functions: Fragrance Ingredient, Preservative-supporting Ingredient, Masking Agent

References

Dweck, Anthony. Handbook of Natural Ingredients. Dweck Books.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Phenethyl Alcohol.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Annual Review of Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments, 2006.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Food Additive Status List – Phenethyl Alcohol.

European Commission. CosIng – Cosmetic Ingredients Database.

National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem – Phenethyl Alcohol.

National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed – Phenethyl Alcohol safety and toxicology.