Good Preservative NOAEL Data GHS Classified Sensitization Data Dermal Penetration

Phenoxyethanol

INCI: PHENOXYETHANOL

CAS Number
122-99-6
Function
Preservative
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 1.0%
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted; no US-specific concentration cap. EU SCCS safety confirmation at <1% includes all consumer groups. In practice, sensitive-skin leave-on products use 0.19–0.29% — well below regulatory limit. Best combined with ethylhexylglycerin (0.3–0.8%) and/or caprylyl glycol rather than used at maximum single-preservative dose. MI (methylisothiazolinone) is contraindicated for leave-on products — EU banned in leave-on since 2016; sensitization rate 6–12% in dermatitis patients.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for Phenoxyethanol. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint Value Route Species Study Type Source
NOAEL 500 mg/kg bw/day dermal code:3484 dermal REACH
NOAEL 369 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
LOAEL 1000 mg/kg bw/day dermal code:3484 dermal REACH
NOAEL 700 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL ca.80 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 2000 mg/kg bw/day dermal code:3484 dermal REACH
LOAEL 1000 mg/kg bw/day dermal code:3484 dermal REACH
NOAEL ca.500 mg/kg bw/day oral dog oral REACH
NOAEL 2500 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
LOAEL 100 mg/kg bw/day oral rabbit oral REACH

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. This may result in impaired functions.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system. This may result in impaired functions.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, through the skin and by ingestion.

SCCS NOAEL Values

NOAEL/LOAEL values cited in official SCCS opinions for Phenoxyethanol.

NOAEL LOAEL Route Species Study DA% (SCCS) Opinion
357 mg/kg/day - Dermal Rabbit Subchronic (repeated dose) (28 days (5 d/week; adjusted from 5/7)) 80 SCCS/1575/16 (2016)

Sensitization Profile

Contact sensitization data for Phenoxyethanol based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.

Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
preservative
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.5%
Cross-reactivity Group
none
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis

Source: ESSCA; IVDK; NACDG

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Phenoxyethanol, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
15-25%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis/dermis
Molecular Weight
138.2 Da
Log P
1.16
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
10-20%
Safety Margin Factor
high
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation

Source: SCCS/1575/16, CIR

Expert Verdict

Phenoxyethanol is a preferred broad-spectrum preservative for leave-on sensitive-skin formulations with clinical sensitization rate of 0.3–1%, substantially lower than methylisothiazolinone (6–12%). EU SCCS confirmed safe at <1% including children aged 0–3 years. Best practice formulation: 0.19–0.29% combined with ethylhexylglycerin (0.3–0.8%) for enhanced efficacy and lowest sensitization risk.

⚠️
Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

preservative eu-annex-v sccs-assessed baby-safe sensitive-skin-suitable 0.19-0.29pct-typical-use preferred-with-ethylhexylglycerin mi-contraindicated-alternative broad-spectrum microbiome-impact eu_children_restricted epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phenoxyethanol safe in cosmetics?

Phenoxyethanol is a preferred broad-spectrum preservative for leave-on sensitive-skin formulations with clinical sensitization rate of 0.3–1%, substantially lower than methylisothiazolinone (6–12%). EU SCCS confirmed safe at <1% including children aged 0–3 years. Best practice formulation: 0.19–0.29% combined with ethylhexylglycerin (0.3–0.8%) for enhanced efficacy and lowest sensitization risk. The EU classifies Phenoxyethanol as "restricted". Safety rating: GOOD. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Phenoxyethanol allowed in the EU?

Phenoxyethanol EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 1.0%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Phenoxyethanol do in cosmetics?

Phenoxyethanol functions as: Preservative. It is classified as a Preservative in our database. CAS number: 122-99-6.

What is the Margin of Safety for Phenoxyethanol?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

What is the NOAEL for Phenoxyethanol?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Phenoxyethanol is 500 mg/kg bw/day based on a dermal study via dermal route in code:3484. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

Compliance Tools

Check Phenoxyethanol compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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