What is Phenoxyethanol?
Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative found in various cosmetics and personal care products. It is an oily, colorless liquid created by reacting phenol and ethylene oxide in an alkaline catalyst. This preservative is a relatively inexpensive option for manufacturers looking to extend the shelf-life of their products.
Why is Phenoxyethanol Used in Products?
Like other preservatives, phenoxyethanol has antimicrobial properties that make it effective in preventing the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in products. Phenoxyethanol is usually compatible with other ingredients and is generally odorless and colorless.
Who Should Avoid Phenoxyethanol, and Why?
Our recommendation is for everyone to avoid phenoxyethanol. Here's why:
- Exposure to toxic inputs – Unfortunately, the two components of phenoxyethanol, phenol and ethylene oxide, are not as clean as one could hope for in such a common preservative. Phenol, which is derived from both petroleum and coal tar, is toxic to humans and can have harmful effects to organs such as the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Ethylene oxide, perhaps worse, is recognized as a carcinogen to humans.
- Effects on central nervous system – In 2008, the FDA warned breastfeeding mothers not to purchase a certain nipple cream as it concluded the phenoxyethanol in the product was depressing the central nervous system and causing vomiting and diarrhea in infants. While phenoxyethanol in soap is not intended to be consumed, we'd prefer to stay away from any harmful ingredients that can potentially be absorbed through the skin.
- Allergic reactions and skin irritations – The ingredient has been linked to certain allergic reactions such as eczema and hives, and even anaphylaxis in extreme cases. Mild cases of skin irritation can manifest as redness, itching, or swelling of the affected area, especially with higher-concentration exposure to phenoxyethanol.
Other Things to Note
- Japan and the European Union have both restricted the use of phenoxyethanol in consumer products to a maximum of 1% of the ingredients in a product.
- Phenoxyethanol has a hazard score range of 2-4 on the EWG's Skin Deep analysis (link). A rating of 1 is considered best.
- Neither Ecocert nor COSMOS approves phenoxyethanol as an acceptable preservative.
What to Use Instead of Phenoxyethanol?
FreeMind uses a combination of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, often called Euxyl K 712 when mixed with water, as preservatives in our hand soaps (learn more about our ingredients here). Euxyl K 712 is suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on products, and is approved by both Ecocert and COSMOS standards.
Conclusion on Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative found in various cosmetics and personal care products. It is created by reacting phenol and ethylene oxide together, both of which are toxic to humans and the latter of which is a known carcinogen(!). There are many effective preservative alternatives to phenoxyethanol, and thus consumers should feel confident about making this switch.
