Phenoxyethanol
Preservatives

Phenoxyethanol.

A widely used preservative that protects the product from microbial contamination throughout its useful life.

INCI name
Phenoxyethanol
Function
A preservative authorised under the conditions set by European regulations.
Information level
Regulated function
Last reviewed
22 September 2026
01

What it does

Preservation is essential to the microbiological safety of many water-containing cosmetics.

02

Who may benefit

Normally used within regulatory limits in finished products.

03

Compatibility

Part of the preservative system.

04

Precautions

The presence of a preservative does not automatically make a formula harsh; assessment concerns the finished product and concentration.

05

How to use it

Not applicable as a separate active.

06

Concentrations

The percentage cannot be inferred from INCI order. WAI LAB shows it only when stated by a verifiable source.

HOW TO READ IT

What it means in the INCI list?

In the European Union, ingredients above 1% are listed in descending order by weight; below 1%, they may appear in any order. Their position therefore cannot be used to calculate an exact percentage.

Its position helps you understand the formula, but does not on its own establish effectiveness or an exact percentage.

SOURCES

Where the information comes from.

WAI LAB distinguishes cosmetic function, regulatory context and scientific literature. This information is not a substitute for medical advice.

FROM UNDERSTANDING TO CHOOSING

Products with Phenoxyethanol.

703 catalogue products list a recognised form of this ingredient in their INCI.

703 resultsVerified profiles with declared concentrations appear first.
24 of 703 shown
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