PLDEFRESITJęzyk: polski
INCI name

PHENOXYETHANOL

2-Phenoxyethanol

AntimicrobialPreservativereviewed

A widely used preservative.

What it is

Phenoxyethanol is a glycol ether used to protect water-based products from bacteria and fungi. In the EU it is listed in Annex V (allowed preservatives) with a maximum concentration.

Where it is used

Creams, lotions, serums, cleansers and makeup.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

See the EU regulation section for the legal limit. The label does not show the concentration actually used.

Functions

Antimicrobial
Preventing and/or slowing down microbial growth.
Preservative
Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.

EU regulation

EU · Annex V, entry 292-Phenoxyethanol
Maximum concentration
1.0%
As of
3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223

Safety Gate alerts (EU)

3 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.

See all alerts →

Scientific opinions (SCCS)

Opinions of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety that mention this ingredient. They assess specific uses and concentrations; read the opinion for its scope.

Products with this ingredient (7134)

Check a full ingredient list