The ingredient, explained
Phenoxyethanol
A published expert assessment examines cosmetic-use safety.
Ingredient guide
What it is and what it does
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative. This formulation role helps inhibit the growth of microorganisms inside the cosmetic product.
About this ingredient: CosIng identity and functions via Open Beauty Facts ↗ · European Commission ingredient function definitions ↗
- Preservative
- Helps inhibit microbial growth in the cosmetic product.
Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗
Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.
A closer look
What the research shows
Safety assessment
The 2016 SCCS opinion supported preservative use up to 1.0% on the exposure information it evaluated.
What this does not tell us
The opinion excludes non-cosmetic exposure and is a dated risk assessment, not evidence of skincare efficacy or a guarantee for every formulation.
Sources for this summary. PubMed 27825833 ↗
Research review checked Oct 1, 2026
Bounded review of 90 local candidate records, selected relevant abstracts, and targeted exact-name primary-source searches. Not a systematic review.
Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.
Read the 1 selected study
Safety assessment
Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) - Final version of the opinion on Phenoxyethanol in cosmetic products. ↗
Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP · 2016
Follow the formula
Products containing this ingredient
From the Serenfold edit. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.
Names and identifiers
Registry identity
2-Phenoxyethanol
- INCI name on ingredient lists
- PHENOXYETHANOL
- CAS registry number
- 122-99-6
- EC number
- 204-589-7
Other recorded names (1)
- phenoxyethanolum
Sources for this ingredient record
- EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗ · ODbL 1.0 (Open Beauty Facts database) · Recorded Aug 8, 2026
- European Commission ingredient function definitions ↗ · Recorded Sep 30, 2026