Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol (CAS 122-99-6), also known as phenyl cellosolve and phenylmonoglycol ether, is a glycol ether used in personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial markets.

Where is Phenoxyethanol used?

• Cosmetics and personal care: preservative in rinse-off and leave-on formulations, lotions, shampoos, and wipes controlling bacterial and fungal contamination; prevents the growth of fungi, yeasts, and bacteria, being particularly effective against gram-negative microorganisms such as Pseudomonas.
• Pharmaceuticals: solvent and antimicrobial agent in topical creams and gels requiring low-irritation preservation systems; used in combination with quaternary ammonium compounds in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
• Industrial coatings and printing inks: coalescing solvent and biocide improving film formation and shelf life
• Adhesives and sealants: reactive diluent and preservation aid improving workability and storage stability
• It functions primarily as a broad-spectrum preservative and solvent; enhances the efficacy of other preservatives and reduces the total amount of raw materials needed for preservation of cosmetic products.

Good to know: Cosmetic-grade and pharmaceutical-grade material is available, with the latter meeting USP and Ph. Eur. specifications.

Formulation notes

• Typical use concentration in skin care products is 0.5–1.0%.
• Typically used concentrations in pharmaceuticals are between 0.5% and 1.0%.

Typical specification

• Purity of at least 99.50% by GC.
• INCI name is 2-Phenoxyethanol.
• pH is 5.50–7.00 in 1% aqueous solution.

Regulatory status

• Listed as an authorized preservative in cosmetic products with a maximum concentration of 1% in ready-to-use mixtures under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
• The content in certain varnishes, paints, and vehicle refinishing products is regulated by Directive 2004/42/EC on the use of organic solvents.
• Not subject to restriction under REACH.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store separately from strong oxidants.

Frequently asked questions about Phenoxyethanol

What is the 1,4-dioxane content limit for phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol has a 1,4-dioxane content of at most 1.00 ppm.

What environmental regulations apply to phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is subject to environmental regulations for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and atmospheric emissions of its vapors must be limited under Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.