Phenoxyethanol: Properties and Cosmetic Applications

What Is Phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is a broad-spectrum preservative used extensively in cosmetic formulations. It is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, although it is slightly less effective against Gram-positive bacteria than against some other microbial species.

Phenoxyethanol is slightly water-soluble, with a solubility of approximately 2.4%. It is preferably added to formulations at temperatures below 40°C to reduce the possibility of evaporative loss. Significant loss is generally only a concern when a manufactured batch is maintained at temperatures above 80°C for a prolonged period.

Key Properties of Phenoxyethanol

Broad-Spectrum Preservation
Phenoxyethanol provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection and is widely used as part of cosmetic preservation systems.

Broad pH Range
It retains its preservative activity across approximately pH 3–9.

Combination with Other Preservatives
Phenoxyethanol is commonly used together with other preservatives and is rarely used as the sole preservative in a formulation.

Cosmetic Applications

Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in a wide range of cosmetic formulations. Typical use concentrations are 0.4–1.0%, depending on the formulation and applicable regulatory requirements.

It is permitted in most territories, subject to specific regulatory restrictions.

Ingredient Information

INCI: Phenoxyethanol
CAS: 122-99-6
EINECS/EC: 204-589-7

References

Cosmetic Formulation Principles and Practice – Heather A.E. Benson, Michael S. Roberts, Vânia Rodrigues Leite-Silva, Kenneth A. Walters.