Phenoxyethanol

Also known as: 2-phenoxyethanol, PhE

Moderate concernunder our published method

By NordicScan Evidence Engine · generated from structured evidence records · source spans verified by automated gates · Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · how we score.

What it is

Phenoxyethanol is a widely used cosmetic preservative found in lotions, cleansers, serums and baby wipes, often as an alternative to parabens and formaldehyde-releasers.

Why people ask

Phenoxyethanol is one of the most common preservatives in skincare, and shoppers ask about the 1% cap and the guidance for products used on young children.

What our method flags — by use

Cosmetic · EU

In EU cosmetics, our method rates phenoxyethanol as moderate-concern: it is permitted up to a 1% cap, with extra caution advised for leave-on products for young children.

The EU restricted phenoxyethanol as a cosmetic preservative to a maximum of 1.0% under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
European Commission	The EU restricted phenoxyethanol as a cosmetic preservative to a maximum of 1.0% under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V.	authority_regulatory	2009-11-30	source
France ANSES / ANSM	France's authority flagged by recommendation that phenoxyethanol not be used in leave-on products intended for the nappy area of children aged three and under.	authority_regulatory	2019-11-01	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Fair (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

Cosmetic · US

In US cosmetics, our method also rates phenoxyethanol as moderate-concern: it is permitted without a fixed cap, and our method carries the same young-child caution.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
EU SCCS	The EU SCCS (2016) listed by opinion a supported maximum concentration of 1.0% for phenoxyethanol as a cosmetic preservative for all consumer groups (a reference the US does not cap).	authority_regulatory	2016-10-06	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Limited (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

How this moves a product’s score

On a product's score, phenoxyethanol contributes a moderate concern signal under our method, weighted a little higher for leave-on products aimed at young children, per the national recommendation reported above.

Nordic Scan provides ingredient information and a concern score under our published method, for general consumer research. It is not medical advice and not a medical device, and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or determine the safety of any product. Decide for yourself.

Common questions

Is phenoxyethanol a paraben?: No. It is a different class of preservative, often used as an alternative to parabens; our method reports it on its own evidence, shown above.

This is what Phenoxyethanol is. What’s in the products you buy? Scan a label and see the concern signals our method flags. Get the app.

Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · Sources checked 2026-07-08 · See how we score.