Phenoxyethanol in skincare
A preservative used in many cosmetic products.
What is phenoxyethanol?
A preservative used in many cosmetic products. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Phenoxyethanol. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does phenoxyethanol do for skin and the product?
Helps protect the formulation against microorganisms.
Preservation protects the product during storage and use. Water-containing formulations require an assessment of microbial safety. The overall system depends on factors including pH, packaging and other ingredients.
Effectiveness and tolerability depend on concentration and the overall product.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about phenoxyethanol
What does phenoxyethanol do in skincare?
Helps protect the formulation against microorganisms.
What should I know about phenoxyethanol?
Effectiveness and tolerability depend on concentration and the overall product.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations