Phenoxyethanol in Cosmetics

Phenoxyethanol is a commonly used chemical compound in the cosmetics industry as a preservative. Its primary function is to prevent bacterial growth and extend the shelf life of cosmetic products. However, its use has sparked concerns about potential health risks associated with exposure to the compound. This article provides a comprehensive review of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics from various aspects, including its advantages and disadvantages and related legislation.

Introduction

Phenoxyethanol, also known as ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, is a colorless, oily liquid with a mild odor. It is a popular choice as a preservative in cosmetics because of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and low toxicity. Phenoxyethanol is commonly used in a wide range of cosmetic products, including skincare, hair care, and makeup. Despite its widespread use, concerns have been raised about its safety, leading to questions about whether it should be banned from use in cosmetics.

Phenoxyethanol in Cosmetics

Phenoxyethanol, a widely-used preservative in cosmetics, has garnered attention due to its numerous benefits. One of its most significant advantages is its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which make it highly effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi, helping to extend the shelf life of cosmetic products. Another advantage is its low sensitization potential, making it an unlikely cause of allergic reactions. However, studies have also suggested that phenoxyethanol can cause skin irritation, especially when used at high concentrations. In addition, exposure to high doses of phenoxyethanol can lead to toxicity, potentially resulting in central nervous system depression and respiratory failure. It's worth noting that phenoxyethanol can also be harmful to babies. A nipple cream containing phenoxyethanol was recalled in 2008 after infants who ingested the cream experienced vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological depression.

Products that contain phenoxyethanol include:

• Eye shadow
• Sunscreen
• Hand cream
• Blush
• Mascara and eyeliner
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Lip balm and gloss
• Foundation and concealer
• Lotion and moisturizer
• Hair color
• Hair spray
• Nail polish
• Baby wipe

Related Legislation

To ensure the safety of cosmetic products containing phenoxyethanol, regulations are in place to oversee its usage. In the European Union, the Cosmetic Product Regulation (CPR) and the new European Union Cosmetic Regulation (EU CR) mandate that cosmetic products must be safe for human use, and any ingredients used in cosmetic products must undergo safety assessments before they can be utilized. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States regulates phenoxyethanol, and it is considered safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations of up to 1%. However, the FDA cautions that the compound may cause skin irritation when used at higher concentrations.

Product Label

Phenoxyethanol on the ingredient label may be referred to as:

• Phenoxyethanol
• 2-Phenoxyethanol
• Euxyl K 400
• PhE

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