Phenoxyethanol
Use With Caution
Preservative; Solvent
Also Known As
2-Phenoxyethanol; Phenyl Cellosolve; Ethylene Glycol Monophenyl Ether, EGPhE,
CAS Number
122-99-6
What It Does
Prevents microbial growth and improves product shelf life.
Why Oh Daisey Rates It This Way
Can cause eye and skin irritation and occasional allergic contact dermatitis. High systemic exposures have produced toxic effects in animal studies, although cosmetic exposure at or below 1% is considered safe by major safety assessments. OhDaisey applies a stricter precautionary standard because it is a glycol ether and ethoxylated ingredient.
Evidence Level
Strong
Sources
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2-Phenoxyethanol ; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31588615/ ; https://www.cir-safety.org/ingredient/phenoxyethanol