The Index · Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative commonly capped around 1% in leave-ons.

FunctionalFunctional ingredient, not graded for skin benefits

Written byTheSkindex Desk

Reviewed byNot yet reviewed

Last updated5 Oct 2026

Sources2 cited

Broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative commonly capped around 1% in leave-ons.

What it does

Controls bacteria and some fungi in water-containing formulas; often paired with ethylhexylglycerinFunctional.

The evidence

Functional ingredient (not graded for skin benefits): Widely reviewed (CIR/SCCS); irritation possible at high levels. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].

How to use it

Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labeled as a featured active.

What it does in the formula

Functional ingredient — not graded for skin benefits

Broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative commonly capped around 1% in leave-ons.[1]

Safety & limits

Source and region, always

all — Typically limited to ≤1% in leave-on cosmetics (EU/SCCS context).[1] CA US EU UK

Sources · 2

Numbered as cited in the text

[1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety Assessment of Phenoxyethanol. CIR (2016)regulator
[2]SCCS / European Commission. SCCS Opinion on Phenoxyethanol. SCCS (2016)regulator

Revision history

18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk