Good Preservative NOAEL Data GHS Classified Sensitization Data Dermal Penetration

Phenoxyethanol

Also known as: Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, Phenoxetol, Phenyl cellosolve, 4-06-00-00571, AI3-00752()C (+14 more)

INCI: PHENOXYETHANOL

Phenoxyethanol (CAS 122-99-6) is a cosmetic preservative functioning as Preservative. NOAEL 357 mg/kg bw/day (PDF-verified against ToxValDB ECHA IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 1.0%. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data.

View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 122-99-6 →

Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Preservative
Safety Rating
GOOD

Chemistry & Identifiers

Formula
C8H10O2
MW
138.16 g/mol
EC Number
204-589-7
PubChem CID
31236
IUPAC Name
2-phenoxyethanol
InChIKey
QCDWFXQBSFUVSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Regulatory Status

EU EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 1.0%
US 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 multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Phenoxyethanol.

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 =2 mg/kg intravenous - NOAEL study SCCS_vision_codex
NOAEL =2 mg/kg intravenous - NOAEL study SCCS_vision_codex
NOAEL =2 mg/kg intravenous - NOAEL study SCCS_vision_codex
NOAEL =2 mg/kg intravenous - NOAEL study SCCS_vision_codex
NOAEL =2.69 mg/kg/d dermal rat NOAEL study SCCS_vision_codex
NOAEL =2.69 mg/kg bw/day dermal rabbit NOAEL study SCCS_vision_codex
NOAEL =2.69 mg/kg/d dermal rat NOAEL study SCCS_vision_codex
NOAEL =2.69 mg/kg bw/day dermal rabbit NOAEL study SCCS_vision_codex
NOAEL =2.69 mg/kg/d dermal rat NOAEL study SCCS_vision_codex
NOAEL =2.69 mg/kg bw/day dermal rabbit NOAEL study SCCS_vision_codex

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.

Pre-Calculated Safety Assessment

Pre-calculated NOAEL → SED → MoS audit trail for Phenoxyethanol across SCCS product categories, with measured dermal absorption where available.

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

EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values

10 toxicity values from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).

Endpoint Value Species Route Duration Source
NOAEL =80 mg/kg-day Rat oral subchronic HESS
LOAEL =1000 mg/kg-day Rabbit dermal short-term ECHA IUCLID
LOAEL ~1875 mg/kg-day Mouse oral - ECHA IUCLID
LOAEL >3700 mg/kg-day Mouse oral - ECHA IUCLID
LOAEL ~1875 mg/kg-day Mouse oral - ECHA IUCLID
NOAEL ~375 mg/kg-day Mouse oral - ECHA IUCLID
NOAEL ~375 mg/kg-day Mouse oral - ECHA IUCLID
LD50 =933 mg/kg Mouse oral - ChemIDplus
LD50 =5510 mg/kg Rabbit dermal - ChemIDplus
LD50 =1260 mg/kg Rat oral - ChemIDplus

EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification

Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.

Signal Word
Danger
Pictograms
Harmful / IrritantCorrosive
Hazard Class and Category
Acute Tox. 4; STOT SE 3; Eye Dam. 1
Hazard Statements
  • H302 Harmful if swallowed
  • H335 May cause respiratory irritation
  • H318 Causes serious eye damage
Specific Concentration Limits / M-factors
oral: ATE = 1394.0 mg/kg bw

Inserted via ATP: ATP17

Sensitization AOP Dashboard

Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.

DPRA Cys %
11.4%
DPRA Lys %
25.4%
KeratinoSens IC50
2000 µM
hCLAT CV75
1000 µg/mL
NESIL
6750 µg/cm²
GHS: 1B Human: positive

Source: DPRA: Hoffmann et al., 2018; KS: No reference provided in NICEATM database; hCLAT: No reference provided in NICEATM database; HPPT: [321] RIFM (1982): RIFM report number 1643, January 13, unpublished.

HRIPT Human Patch Test Studies

4 human repeat insult patch tests aggregated from dermatological literature.

Test Type N Sensitized Dose µg/cm² NESIL µg/cm² Potency
HMT - 0 6750 - -
HMT - 0 6750 - -
HRIPT - 0 8266.68 - -
HRIPT - 0 12000 - -

Endocrine Disruptor Evidence (Expanded)

Cross-referenced EDC classifications, mechanism data, and dose-response evidence from EDLists, SIN List, and cosmetic-specific detail sources.

Under investigation Evidence: Limited (2026)
Health effects: Yes
Affected pathways: Estrogenic
Regulatory framework: BPR

Source list: II

Cosmetic-Specific Mechanism
Category: preservative
Receptor targets: ERα (weak)
LOEC: 100 µM
EU status: restricted (max 1%)

weak agonist

Dose-Response Data Points
Endpoint Target Value Direction
NOAEL_development developmental 486 mg/kg/day -
NOAEL_reproduction reproductive 400 mg/kg/day -
dermal_absorption_rinseoff skin 37% % -
dermal_absorption_leaveon skin 78–81% % -
ERα agonistic activity screening ERα EC50/IC50: No significant ER agonism at non-cytotoxic concentrations in most assays; some studies show LOEC ~100 µM; LOEC: ~100 µM (reported in some studies); NOEC: not established mixed weak agonist (borderline active)
FT4 / FT3 levels (epidemiological association); thyroid gene expression (zebrafish) Thyroid axis (TR / HPT) EC50/IC50: In vitro EC50 not established; LOEC ~1 mg/L (zebrafish thyroid gene expression); LOEC: ~1 mg/L (zebrafish); NOEC: not established mixed thyroid disruptor (suggestive)

ECHA REACH Registration

European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.

Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
10,000 - 100,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)

EU CosIng Annex Listing

European Commission CosIng database Annex references per Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

Annex V — Permitted Preservatives
Max: 1.0%

Expanded Jurisdictional Detail

Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.

KR Korea MFDS Annex 2 (Restricted)
Category: Preservative. Max: 1.0%. —
SA Saudi SFDA (V - Preservatives)
Max: 0.01.
JPKR Japan/Korea Cosmetics
Japan (Positive (Preservative)): max 1.0
Korea (Restricted): max 1.0
Japan (Restricted): max 1.0%
BRIN Brazil/India Cosmetics
Brazil: Permitted Preservative · max 1,0%
India: Permitted Preservative · max 0.01
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (7)
Jurisdiction Status Max % Product Type
JP restricted 1.0% All cosmetics
CN permitted_preservative 1 All cosmetics
IN permitted_preservative 1.0 all cosmetics
AU restricted 1.0 preservatives
GCC restricted 1.0 All cosmetics
BR permitted_preservative 1 -
ASEAN permitted_preservative 1.0% All products

Expanded Dermal Absorption Data

Cross-database dermal penetration: EPA Dryad physics-based, Roberts Mendeley permeation, and SCCS-aggregated measured values.

Aggregated DA Values (3 records across 5 sources)
Type DA % Method Skin Model SCCS Ref
measured_sccs_opinion 80.0% - - SCCS/1633/21
measured_sccs_opinion 47.0% - - SCCS/1575/16
measured_sccs_opinion 47.0% - - SCCS/1575/16

Typical Use Concentrations

Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.

Product Category Typical Range Max Reported Source
Face Cream 0.5–1 1 CIR/VCRP
Body Lotion 0.5–1 1 CIR/VCRP
Shampoo 0.5–1 1 CIR/VCRP
Serum 0.5–1 1 CIR/VCRP
Conditioner 0.5–1 1 CIR/VCRP

Additional Ingredient Properties

10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.

acne
{"cas_number": "122-99-6", "anti_acne_mechanism": "antibacterial", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "1", "acne_type_efficacy": "inflammatory", "p_acnes_mic_ug_per_ml": ">500", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "0-5", "prescription_required_usa": "No", "otc_drug_monograph_category": "No", "max_otc_concentration_pct": "No limit", "japan_quasi_drug_anti_acne": "No", "korea_functional_cosmetic_acne": "No…
allergen_detail
{"eu_allergen_listed": "no", "allergen_class": "preservative", "patch_test_frequency_pct": "0.5", "sensitization_rate": "low", "common_reaction_type": "contact-dermatitis", "ifra_restricted": "no", "source": "ESSCA; IVDK; NACDG"}
anti_pollution
{"cas_number": "122-99-6", "ingredient_class": "other", "primary_mechanism": "barrier_reinforcement", "pollution_types_targeted": "PM2_5", "IR_A_protection": "no", "visible_light_protection": "no", "digital_screen_protection_claim": "no", "PAH_neutralization": "no", "ozone_protection": "no", "mitochondrial_protection": "no", "Nrf2_activation": "no", "AhR_pathway_modulation": "no", "NF_kB_inhibitio…
baby_pediatric
{"cas_number": "122-99-6", "ingredient_class": "preservative_baby_safe", "pediatric_safety_rating": "caution", "minimum_age_months": "0", "neonatal_safe": "yes", "premature_infant_safe": "yes", "skin_barrier_maturity_consideration": "DEBATE: SCCS safe 1% all ages; ANSM avoid nappy <3yr; hematotoxicity concern", "transepidermal_absorption_risk_pediatric": "moderate", "systemic_exposure_concern_pedi…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "1", "skin_type_suitability": "all,oily,combination,normal,acne-prone", "acne_safe": "yes", "source": "Broad-spectrum preservative"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "0.5", "max_concentration_pct": "1.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "1.0", "product_type": "Body Lotion", "function_at_concentration": "Preservative", "source": "CIR Safety Assessment; EU Annex V"}
cost_pricing
{"cost_tier": "budget", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_low": "8", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_high": "15", "natural_premium_markup_pct": "0", "organic_certified_premium_pct": "0", "supply_chain_volatility": "low", "primary_source_region": "China/Europe", "bulk_discount_threshold_kg": "500", "seasonal_price_variation": "low", "commodity_or_specialty": "commodity", "substitute_ingredients": "Ethylhexylgl…
deodorant
{"cas_number": "122-99-6", "ingredient_class": "antimicrobial_deodorant", "mechanism_of_action": "bacterial_growth_inhibition", "antiperspirant_efficacy_sweat_reduction_pct": "0", "deodorant_efficacy_hours": "8-12", "odor_reduction_pct": "40-60", "bacteriostatic": "yes", "bactericidal": "limited", "target_bacteria": "broad_spectrum", "microbiome_impact": "broad", "axillary_microbiome_effect": "mod…

PubChem Annotations

Safety and regulatory annotations from PubChem (NCBI) aggregated sources.

Safety (3)
Carcinogen Classification
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
ICSC Safety Card
0538
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Skin Eye Respiratory Irritation
A skin and severe eye irritant.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Function Categories & List Membership

Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Antioxidant Biocide Chemical reaction regulator Film former Flavouring and nutrient Flow promoter Fragrance No specific technical function Plasticizer Preservative
Regulatory List Membership (8)
EU Regulated in Personal Care EU Restricted for Children (Cosmetics) IFRA Fragrance Transparency List EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL) FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS) FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives Consumer Product Chemical EU CosIng Cosmetics Ingredient Database

Expert Verdict

Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Phenoxyethanol.

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

NOAEL Studies Summary

View details ->

Public NOAEL study rows linked to Phenoxyethanol by CAS number or substance name.

Studies
44
Lowest NOAEL
2
Highest NOAEL
1000

Units vary across source rows: mg/kg bw/day, mg/kg, mg/kg/d

SCCS_vision_codex

Dermal Absorption

View details ->
Absorption % Method Vehicle
80.0% SCCS opinion extraction -
47.0% SCCS PDF direct extraction -
47.0% SCCS PDF direct extraction -

Known Synonyms

Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether Phenoxetol Phenyl cellosolve 4-06-00-00571 AI3-00752()C BRN 1364011 EINECS 204-589-7 Glycol monophenyl ether beta-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether Phenylmonoglycol ether Rose ether 2-Fenoxyethanol Fenyl-cellosolve Fenylcelosolv Plastiazan-41 UNII-HIE492ZZ3T 2-Phenoxyethanol, 9CI 2-phenoxyethan-1-ol Phenylcellosolve

Chemical Function

Preservative Antioxidant Fragrance Biocide

Regulatory Lists

Arts and crafts/Office supplies - general arts and crafts supplies - arts and crafts adhesive; detected; Europe Arts and crafts/Office supplies - general arts and crafts supplies - arts and crafts paint; detected; Europe air; detected; emissions; Europe; Toys and children's products artificial_sweat; detected; emissions; Europe; Toys and children's products artificial_saliva; detected; emissions; Europe; Other direct contact consumer goods air; detected; emissions; Europe; Personal care - liniment air; Arts and crafts/Office supplies - fabric treatment and dye; detected; emissions; Europe artificial_saliva; detected; emissions; Europe; Other indirect contact consumer goods artificial_saliva; detected; emissions; Europe; Other indirect contact consumer goods detected; Europe; Personal care - liniment detected; Personal care; Southeast Asia Arts and crafts/Office supplies - fabric treatment and dye; detected artificial_saliva; detected; emissions; Europe; Toys and children's products active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides detected; Europe; Personal care - nails - nail polish Europe; Specialty occupational products detected; Europe; Personal care - sexual wellness detected; Europe; Personal care - sexual wellness

Australian Status

AICIS status: listed

Cross-Vertical Safety Context

Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.

SOURCE ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS DB_PHARMA CAS match

Pharmaceutical Data

Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.

Compound
PHENOXYETHANOL
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL1229846
Max Phase
-1
Adverse Event Associations
384
View full pharmaceutical profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phenoxyethanol safe in cosmetics?

Phenoxyethanol has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 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 NOAEL for Phenoxyethanol?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Phenoxyethanol is =2 mg/kg based on a NOAEL study study via intravenous route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: SCCS_vision_codex.

Is Phenoxyethanol used outside cosmetics?

Phenoxyethanol also appears in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.

Does Phenoxyethanol have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?

Phenoxyethanol is classified GHS Danger (H302, H318, H319, H335, H336, H320, H361) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 1.0%.

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Good Chemical family
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Moderate Chemical family
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Moderate Chemical family
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