Phenoxyethanol in Skincare: Safe Preservative or Hidden Risk?

Phenoxyethanol in Skin Care

Phenoxyethanol is a commonly used but controversial preservative found in numerous skincare products, from moisturizers to serums. As we have become increasingly aware of the safety and risks of ingredients in our skincare routines, it’s good to understand the role of phenoxyethanol, its potential benefits, and the risks associated with its use. I will discuss why it is still used even though it has made it on toxic chemical lists and excluded on clean beauty lists.

Find out if products with this ingredient are still right for your skin type by taking our free quiz here:

What is Phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is an organic compound derived from phenol and ethylene oxide. It is a colorless, oily liquid with a faint rose-like scent. In skincare products, phenoxyethanol acts as a preservative, preventing the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold, which can cause products to spoil and potentially harm the skin. It is also used as a fragrance ingredient, which may not always be listed on product labels.

Here are some great products that happen to have phenoxyethanol:

Other names for Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is the INCI name of the cosmetic label. However, it may also be called one of these names:

2-phenoxyethanol

ethylene glycol monophenyl ether

phenoxytol

1-hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane

(2-hydroxyethoxy) benzene.

Safety of Phenoxyethanol

The EWG gives phenoxyethanol a 2-4 safety rating. They state that use around the mouth or lips is less safe due to inhalation risks. Phenoxyethanol often is included in the toxic skincare ingredient lists. Why is there fear that it is unsafe?

These are the potential risks:

Potential irritant: While phenoxyethanol is considered less irritating than some other preservatives, it can still cause skin irritation, particularly for those with sensitive.

It is an allergen. Allergic reactions are not common but have been reported.

There is a lack of comprehensive, long-term studies on the safety of phenoxyethanol in skincare products, leading some consumers to be cautious about its use. Right now, its use is limited to 1% or less in cosmetics.

How much is safe?

The European Union Cosmetics Regulation (EC) n. 1223/2009 allows phenoxyethanol to be used as a preservative in cosmetics at a concentration of up to 1%. The FDA, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), and the European Commission on Health and Food Safety also consider phenoxyethanol safe when used in cosmetics at a concentration of 1% or less.

This level in leave on products like moisturizers, serums and sunscreens is considered safe. Higher concentrations may increase the risk of skin irritation.

Safety in Pregnancy

There is limited data on the safety of phenoxyethanol during pregnancy. While some glycol ethers like ethylene glycol ethyl ether have shown toxic effects on reproduction and are banned in Europe, phenoxyethanol has different chemical properties and has not been classified as a reproductive toxicant.

To be extra safe- do not use in lip products, around the mouth or on large areas of the body.

Safety in Baby Products

While phenoxyethanol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%, concerns have been raised about its use in baby products. In 2012, the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) advised against using phenoxyethanol in cosmetics for children under 3 years old, particularly in products applied to the diaper area. This recommendation was based on the potential for systemic absorption and the higher sensitivity of infants to potential adverse effects. Given the developing nature of infant skin and the larger ratio of skin surface area to body mass, the potential for increased absorption, a cautious approach is warranted when using products containing phenoxyethanol on babies.

Benefits of Phenoxyethanol:

Phenoxyethanol is a popular preservative for several reasons:

Effective preservative: Phenoxyethanol is an effective preservative that helps extend the shelf life of skincare products and maintain their quality.

Less irritating than other preservatives: Compared to some other preservatives, such as parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents, phenoxyethanol is generally considered less irritating to the skin.

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties: Phenoxyethanol can protect against a wide range of microorganisms, ensuring the product remains safe for use.

Antimicrobial benefits

Phenoxyethanol has broad coverage and inhibits the growth of:

Yeast such as Candida albicans

Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus

Controversy

There has been some controversy surrounding the use of phenoxyethanol in recent years. Some concerns have been raised about its potential health risks, particularly when used in products designed for infants and young children. These concerns stem from phenoxyethanol’s chemical similarity to other glycol ethers, some of which have been shown to have toxic effects on reproduction and have been banned in Europe.

Additionally, there have been controversial claims that phenoxyethanol may have negative effects on the blood, liver, and endocrine system, although these claims are not universally accepted by the scientific community. As a result, some consumers and advocacy groups have called for greater regulation and transparency regarding the use of phenoxyethanol in skincare and cosmetic products.

The expert in the field of skin care product safety have deemed phenoxyethanol safe in concentrations lower than 1%. All of the reputable medical grade brands like Skinceuticals and Skin Medica have concentrations lower than1%- at least this is what they have told me verbally but not in writing.

Estrogenic Effects

Some chemicals called glycol ethers, like ethylene glycol ethyl ether or ethylene glycol methyl ether, have been found to cause problems with reproduction and have been banned in Europe. However, phenoxyethanol is a different kind of chemical than these harmful glycol ethers. It doesn’t evaporate easily and hasn’t been classified as a substance that causes reproductive issues in Europe, unlike some other glycol ethers.

Still, some people are concerned about the safety of phenoxyethanol because it’s in the same chemical family as glycol ethers. There have also been controversial claims that phenoxyethanol affects the blood, liver, and hormones, which have been talked about in public and in the media.

In June 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) did a screening and found that phenoxyethanol did not have any estrogen-like activity.

Why is it Used When It is Controversial?

Phenoxyethanol is considered to have a lower risk of causing contact dermatitis compared to many other preservatives commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products. While allergic reactions to phenoxyethanol have been reported, they are relatively rare. In fact, phenoxyethanol is often used as an alternative to preservatives that have a higher potential for causing skin irritation and allergic reactions, such as parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

One of the reasons phenoxyethanol is still widely used in the cosmetic industry is that it has a favorable safety profile compared to other preservatives. It is effective at low concentrations (typically used at 1% or less) and has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, which means it can protect against a wide range of bacteria, yeast, and mold.

In contrast, some other preservatives have more significant downsides. For example, some parabens have been associated with endocrine disruption concerns, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives can cause more frequent and severe cases of contact dermatitis. Additionally, some natural preservatives, such as essential oils, can be highly irritating to the skin and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

While no preservative is entirely free from the risk of causing skin reactions in some people, phenoxyethanol is generally considered to be a safer option compared to many other preservatives. Its lower risk of causing contact dermatitis and other skin irritations, combined with its effectiveness at low concentrations, has contributed to its continued use in the skincare and cosmetic industry.

Conclusion

As a dermatologist, I believe that preservatives are necessary in skincare products to prevent the growth of harmful yeast and bacteria that could spoil the product and potentially harm our skin. However, many preservatives come with their own risks, such as hormonal effects, allergic reactions, or negative impacts on the environment.

While we don’t have long-term safety studies on phenoxyethanol, it is generally considered a safer alternative to many other preservatives. It’s important to note that most experts agree we should avoid using products containing phenoxyethanol on babies and on large areas of the body during pregnancy, just to be cautious.

In my opinion, phenoxyethanol, when used in the appropriate concentrations, is a much better choice compared to preservatives that can disrupt hormones, cause severe allergies, or damage the environment. Until we have more conclusive long-term safety data, phenoxyethanol remains one of the safer options available to keep our skincare products free from harmful microorganisms.

This is my opinion and I will be monitoring the data and will update this blog if any scientific studies change my opinion.

Looking for the best safe skincare for your skin type- I can help! Take the quiz or talk with our Skincare Concierge AI Bot.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected