6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
preservative · solvent
Phenoxyethanol
Molecular Formula
C8H10O2
Category
Preservative
Bottom Line: Phenoxyethanol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, though individual reactions may vary depending on formulation.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in concentrations below 1%
- Formulated in stable products
- Not used in products for infants
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are using multiple products with preservatives
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to phenoxyethanol
- You experience irritation upon use
- You are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H10O2 |
| Solubility | soluble in alcohol and oils, slightly soluble in water |
Common Use Cases
1 Categories
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to phenoxyethanol is generally considered low risk when used in cosmetic formulations. However, some individuals may experience irritation.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Oral toxicity data for phenoxyethanol is limited, and ingestion should be avoided.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Inhalation exposure to phenoxyethanol is not well studied, and caution is advised in aerosolized products.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Ocular exposure may cause mild irritation, so contact with eyes should be avoided.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- Pregnant Individuals — Limited data on safety during pregnancy suggests caution.
- Infants and Children — Higher sensitivity in infants and children indicates that use should be approached with caution.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- General Adult Population — Generally well tolerated in cosmetic formulations.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| General Adult Population | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults when used in cosmetic products. |
| Pregnant Individuals | Insufficient Data | Limited data on safety during pregnancy suggests caution. |
| Infants and Children | High | Higher sensitivity in infants and children indicates that use should be approached with caution. |
Toxicology Data
0 Endpoints
Phenoxyethanol is commonly used as a preservative in cosmetics, but data on its long-term safety is limited.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Phenoxyethanol is commonly used as a preservative in cosmetics, but data on its long-term safety is limited.
- Widely used in cosmetic formulations
- Regulatory status varies by region
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
Pending formal assessment
Report: No formal safety assessment identified
Year: 2026
Conclusion: This ingredient has not been formally assessed by major regulatory or scientific bodies based on available records.
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Max 1% as preservative Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED AS PRESERVATIVE - ANNEX V ENTRY 29
Max 1% as preservative
United States
FDAPERMITTED IN COSMETICS; CIR REVIEWED SAFE UP TO 1%
Industry guideline: up to 1%
Frequently Asked Questions
Phenoxyethanol is primarily used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products to help prevent microbial growth.
Generally, phenoxyethanol is considered safe in cosmetic formulations at low concentrations, though individual sensitivities may vary.
Yes, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to phenoxyethanol, particularly those with sensitive skin.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-10-01 | — |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.