Phenoxyethanol

adults โ€ข Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Phenoxyethanol?

โœ…
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Phenoxyethanol is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

โ„น๏ธGeneral Overview

For adults: This preservative is usually safe in skin products when used as directed. Most adults wonโ€™t have problems, but it can irritate sensitive skin.

โœ…What to Do

Choose products from trusted brands, follow directions, and avoid putting products on broken skin. If you have sensitive skin or eczema, do a small patch test on your arm and wait 24โ€“48 hours. Stop use if you get redness, burning, or a rash.

โš ๏ธWarnings

Watch for skin irritation or allergic reactions (redness, itching, stinging). These warnings come from regulatory hazard listings and national limits (for example EU hazard classifications and Japanโ€™s cosmetic restrictions) and safety reviews that recommend limits on concentration. If you have a history of skin allergies or strong reactions to preservatives, avoid products with this ingredient or consult your healthcare provider.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: Official hazard listings show this chemical can cause skin, eye, and lung irritation. Regulators classify it as an irritant, so it can make skin red or itchy and bother the eyes or breathing passages.
Asthma: Because it can irritate the lungs, it may make asthma or breathing problems worse. Workplace and hazard listings note lung irritation and limits on inhalation exposure.
Organ Risk: There is limited evidence that it can affect the nervous system and it is listed as toxic/harmful in official hazard codes. That means repeated or high exposures could harm organs like the nervous system.
Absorbed: Safety reviews and workplace data note systemic effects tied to how it is used, and nervous-system findings suggest the chemical can get into the body after skin or workplace exposure.
Banned: Some governments set limits on its use in cosmetics (for example, concentration limits from national health authorities), and some product standards require special proof before it can be used.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Phenoxyethanol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

phenoxyethanolphenoxyNSC-1864STR04582TOX21_202111TOX21_111002TOX21_113532PHENOXYETHANOL, EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA (EP) REFERENCE STANDARDZ426194440PHENOXYETHANOL, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARD2-PHENOXYETHANOL, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOPHENYL ETHER, SAJ FIRST GRADE, >=95.0%PHENOXYETHANOL

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Phenoxyethanol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Phenoxyethanol or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Phenoxyethanol

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Phenoxyethanol safety and effects.

Common Questions About Phenoxyethanol

Is this safe for adults to use Phenoxyethanol?

Yes, Phenoxyethanol is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of Phenoxyethanol for adults?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashesโ€”especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the asthma risks of Phenoxyethanol for adults?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids.

What are the organ risk risks of Phenoxyethanol for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the absorbed risks of Phenoxyethanol for adults?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What are the banned risks of Phenoxyethanol for adults?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.

What products contain Phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Phenoxyethanol?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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