Phenoxyethanol

Preservative

What is Phenoxyethanol, and why is it used?

A common cosmetic preservative, permitted in the EU up to 1%.

Why it's used

Broad activity against bacteria in water-based products.

Regulatory

EU maximum concentration 1% in finished cosmetic products.

Connected topics

• Methylparaben
• Shampoo

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General education only, not medical advice. Drafted Oct 2026 · pending qualified expert review.