Phenoxyethanol: What It Is and Why It's Used

Origin

Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic ether alcohol first synthesised in the early 20th century. Its antimicrobial properties were identified in the context of pharmaceutical preservation, and it entered cosmetic formulations as a paraben alternative when consumer concern about parabens increased in the early 2000s. It is now among the most widely used cosmetic preservatives globally.

Why It's Used

It functions by disrupting the cell membranes of bacteria and fungi, preventing microbial growth in water-containing formulations. It is effective across a wide pH range and is compatible with most cosmetic ingredients. Maximum permitted concentration in the EU is 1%, and it is typically used at 0.5–1% in finished products.

Elsewhere

Phenoxyethanol is used as a fixative in perfumes and as a solvent in printing inks and resins. It has pharmaceutical applications as a topical anaesthetic and antiseptic, and is used as a preservative in vaccines.

What the Framework Sees

this is Question 2 itself.

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