Phenoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It is a glycol ether used as a perfume fixative, insect repellent, antiseptic, solvent, preservative, and also as an anesthetic in fish aquaculture. Phenoxyethanol is an ether alcohol with aromatic properties. It is both naturally found and manufactured synthetically. Demonstrating antimicrobial ability, phenoxyethanol acts as an effective preservative in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and lubricants [L2619]. Phenoxyethanol (EU), or PE, is the most commonly used globally-approved preservative in personal care formulations. It is very easy to use in various types of formulations and is chemically stable. Phenoxyethanol is a colorless, clear, oily liquid with a faint aromatic odor at room temperature and a low water solubility and evaporation rate. It is produced by reacting phenol (EU) and ethylene oxide (EU) at a high temperature and pressure. This substance occurs naturally in green tea (EU) [L2621]. According to the European Union Cosmetics Regulation (EC) n.1223/2009, phenoxyethanol is authorized as a preservative in cosmetic formulations at a maximum concentration of 1.0% [L2625]. Phenoxyethanol has been classified as an antimicrobial and preservative by Health Canada [L2623]. It has also been used in vaccines and shown to inactivate bacteria, and several types of yeast [A32838].
Synonyms
beta-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
2-phenoxyethanol
Phenylmonoglycol ether
2-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
Phenoxyethanol
2-Phenoxyethyl alcohol
Phenyl cellosolve
Phenoxytol
1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane
Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether
Brand Names
Disinfection Wet Wipes
Lanohex Shp 1.7%
Acropole Bleu
Puricia Sanitizing Wipes ( Blossom)
Aiweier Alcohol Wipes
Vaxol Puri
Manugel 85
DISINFECT Wet WIPES
Alcohol wipes
Sanitary alcohol disinfectant wipes
Alcohol disinfectant wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Wet Wipes
Antibacterial wipes
Cpap Wipes
Disinfectant Cleaning Wipes
Puricia Sanitizing Wipes (Mint)
Disinfecting Alcohol Wipes
Lanohex Nettoyeur Pour LA Peau 1.7%
HydroGold 9
Aiweier Disinfecttant Wipes
Puricia Sanitizing Wipes (Lavender)
Alcohol Wipes
Marcorodex
75% Alcohol Wipes
Disinfecting Wipes
Grime Eater Lotion Soap 2.5%
AnubisMed
Micro
Puricia Sanitizing Wipes (Citrus)
Sanitize/Disinfect Wipes
HPY Instant Hand Sanitizer
Cosmos Hv
Disinfect Wipes
Purgerm 75% alcohol wipes
Disinfectant Wet Wipes
Edens Hand Sanitizing Wipes
SUNHEAL Milia Spot Treatment
Hand Sanitizer Smells Clean
Indication
Antimicrobial agent used as a preservative in cosmetics [L2618], [L2619], [L2625].