Phenoxyethanol — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: PHENOXYETHANOL
Also known as: 2-Phenoxyethanol, PhE
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 122-99-6
- Category
- preservative
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- Yes
- Max Concentration
- 1%
- Found In
- moisturizer, serum, cleanser, all
Is Phenoxyethanol safe in cosmetics?
Phenoxyethanol is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Low sensitization rate. Increasingly used as paraben alternative. Safe for most people. Safer alternatives include Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate. Commonly found in moisturizer, serum, cleanser.
What is Phenoxyethanol?
Most widely used modern preservative. Considered safe at up to 1%. Replaced parabens in many formulations.
Allergy & Safety Information
Phenoxyethanol is considered safe for cosmetic use. No significant safety concerns have been identified at typical use concentrations. As with any cosmetic ingredient, discontinue use if irritation occurs.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
About Preservative Ingredients
Preservatives prevent microbial growth in water-containing cosmetic formulas. Without them, products would spoil within days. However, preservatives are among the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis — they must be present in high enough concentrations to be effective, yet that same efficacy can irritate sensitised skin.
Relevance for Phenoxyethanol: If you react to one preservative, you may be cross-reactive to others in the same chemical family (e.g., isothiazolinones, formaldehyde releasers, or parabens). Checking the full preservative profile of every product you use is the most reliable way to identify your personal trigger.
How to Identify Phenoxyethanol in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Phenoxyethanol, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Moisturizer, Serum, Cleanser, All. These product categories are the most common sources of Phenoxyethanol exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Phenoxyethanol? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Phenoxyethanol and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phenoxyethanol safe for sensitive skin?
Phenoxyethanol is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin types.
What products contain Phenoxyethanol?
Phenoxyethanol is commonly found in moisturizer, serum, cleanser, all.
What does Phenoxyethanol do in cosmetics?
Phenoxyethanol functions as a preservative in formulations.
Related Guides
Top 10 Cosmetic Allergens
Is Phenoxyethanol on the list? See the full clinical ranking.
Preservative Allergy Guide
Which preservatives cause the most reactions and what to use instead.
How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Phenoxyethanol causing YOUR skin reactions?
SkinDetekt tracks your products and reactions to find your personal triggers. Download the app to find out.
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