Description
Phenoxyethanol is an aromatic ether, that is, a class of organic compounds in which an oxygen atom links a benzene ring with a short aliphatic chain, in this case a hydroxyethyl group attached to phenol. Its declared technical functions are antimicrobial and preservative; preservatives are a category of ingredients that in cosmetics are incorporated into formulations with the aim of maintaining the microbiological integrity of the product.
Under the European Union cosmetic regulatory framework, the ingredient appears in Annex V, reference 29, the list corresponding to permitted preservatives. The applicable condition sets a maximum concentration of "1.0%" in the finished cosmetic product. No additional mandatory labelling warnings, nor restrictions by product type, nor supplementary conditions of use are associated with this entry beyond the quantitative limit indicated. The ingredient is not classified as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction).
The information presented is for technical reference only and does not constitute a recommendation for use or an efficacy claim.