Phenoxyethanol: Overview, Uses, and Health Considerations

What is Phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is an aromatic ether used primarily as a preservative in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products. It acts to inhibit bacterial growth and prolong the shelf life of these products. In addition to its preservative qualities, phenoxyethanol serves as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps, helping to maintain their efficacy and fragrance integrity.

 

A review of 43 cosmetic products found that approximately 25% of them contained phenoxyethanol concentrations exceeding 0.6%, with the average concentration noted at around 0.46%. This indicates that while many products use phenoxyethanol as a preservative, a significant number remain below the commonly accepted concentration threshold.

 

Common Uses

Phenoxyethanol can be found in a wide range of beauty and personal care products, such as:

– Moisturizers

– Foundations

– Eye shadows

– Sunscreens

– Conditioners and shampoos

– Lip glosses and balms

– Nail polish

– Body washes and hand creams

– Baby lotions and wipes

– Shaving creams

– Deodorants

– Toothpaste

– Fragrances

– Hand sanitizers

– Ultrasound gel

 

How to find phenoxyethanol on Labels

If you want to identify products that contain phenoxyethanol, check for the following terms on the ingredient list:

– Phenoxyethanol

– PhE

– 2-Phenoxyethanol

– Euxyl K® 400 (a mixture of phenoxyethanol and 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane)

 

Health Concerns

1. Nervous System Effects in Infants: In 2008, the FDA issued a warning regarding Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream, which contained phenoxyethanol; it was found to depress the central nervous system in breastfeeding infants, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty waking. Observable signs of nervous system depression in infants may include decreased appetite, lethargy, and unusual skin color changes. Importantly, there appears to be no significant health risk to breastfeeding mothers from this exposure.
2. Allergic Reactions: Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to various allergic responses, including eczema, hives, and, in more severe cases, anaphylaxis. A study in 2015 indicated that while Doppler ultrasound gel primarily caused skin irritation, there were rare instances of life-threatening allergic reactions. When combined with parabens, which are also common in personal care products, phenoxyethanol may lead to heightened allergic responses.
3. Eczema: Dermatitis is a frequent reaction among those with skin sensitivities, particularly in products containing 1% or more of phenoxyethanol. Eczema typically manifests at the site of application and often resolves after discontinuing use.

At Risk Populations:

Certain groups, particularly infants and young children, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of ingredients like phenoxyethanol, necessitating closer attention to product formulation in these demographics.

 

 Regulatory Overview

In the European Union, phenoxyethanol is approved for use in cosmetics at concentrations of up to 1%. The European Economic Community’s (EEC) Cosmetics Directive and the EU Cosmetics Regulation reflect ongoing evaluations of ingredient safety and efficacy.

The Japanese Standards for Cosmetics (public notice of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) restricts the use of  phenoxyethanol in cosmetics to 1 g each per 100 g of cosmetics

 

 How to Avoid Phenoxyethanol

To minimize exposure to phenoxyethanol, particularly for infants and individuals with known allergies:

– For Infants: Avoid cosmetic products containing phenoxyethanol.

– For Allergic Individuals: Read product labels carefully to evade personal care items containing phenoxyethanol or its derivatives. Additionally, since parabens can amplify allergic reactions, it may be wise to avoid products containing both compounds.

– General Usage: For the majority of consumers without allergies, phenoxyethanol is generally considered a safe preservative with minimal risks regarding chronic health effects.

 

Conclusion

Phenoxyethanol plays a crucial role in the cosmetic industry, providing preservation and stabilization for a wide variety of products. While it is generally regarded as safe for use, especially at low concentrations, awareness of potential health effects, particularly for sensitive populations like infants and individuals with allergies, is essential. By being vigilant about product labels and understanding the implications of chemical exposure, consumers can make informed choices that prioritize their health and safety.

 

References

1. Chasset, F., Soria, A., Moguelet, P., Mathian, A., Auger, Y., Francès, C., & Barete, S. (2015). Contact dermatitis due to ultrasound gel: A case report and published work review. The Journal of dermatology.
2. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (1990). Final report on the safety assessment of Phenoxyethanol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 9(2), 259-277.
3. Bohn, S., & Bircher, A. J. (2001). Phenoxyethanol‐induced urticaria. Allergy, 56(9), 922-923.
4. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (1990). Final report on the safety assessment of Phenoxyethanol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 9(2), 259-277.
5. Troutman, J. A., Rick, D. L., Stuard, S. B., Fisher, J., & Bartels, M. J. (2015). Development of a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model of 2-phenoxyethanol and its metabolite phenoxyacetic acid in rats and humans to address toxicokinetic uncertainty in risk assessment. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.
6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA warns consumers against using Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream. Available Online: https://old.sfda.gov.sa/en/drug/news/pages/332-ar-01-6.aspx#:~:text=The%20us%20counterpart%20to%20the,distress%20or%20vomiting%20and%20diarrhea.