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Phenoxyethanol: Is it safe?

There are some bad chemicals in cosmetics, some questionable. Unfortunately, some has been getting a bad name in the name of fear mongering. Enough with the fear mongering and let’s look at some facts, shall we?

 

The accused: Phenoxyethanol

Some people have been saying Phenoxyethanol is bad for you. As a scientist, I say no it’s not! Phenoxyethanol is safe and used at max 1% in cosmetic formulas based on EU Cosmetic Regulations.

I say NO based on scientific evidence, not by just 5-minute internet reading and hearsay. All details and need to know is below:

 

What is Phenoxyethanol?

 

Phenoxyethanol is one of the most common synthetic preservatives used in cosmetics as an alternative to parabens.

 

Key Properties: Preservative. Preservatives are added to cosmetics and personal care products to protect you from infections that could come from nasty bacteria and mold growth, and prevent product spoilage. Preservative is not only a good thing, but it is necessary to protect our health!

 

If you see a”preservative free” product, I would highly recommend you to consider using it twice in the light of the information above (i.e. what does a preservative do?)

 

Source: Synthetic or derived from natural sources. It does not release formaldehyde.
What does Phenoxyethanol do?
It kills bacteria, mold, fungus and other microbes and prevents spoilage of cosmetics and personal care products.

 

Why is preservative in a cosmetic product important? 
Any personal care or cosmetic product that contains water is a breeding ground for nasty bacteria, fungi, mold, which can be harmful to your health. Even if your product looks and smells OK, it may contain bacteria or fungi that can make you very sick. That’s why, a good preservative in cosmetic products and using the product in the defined time (PAO) are very important. If the product is over its PAO or expiration date, do NOT use it.

What does SCCS say on Phenoxyethanol? Is it safe to use in cosmetics?

 

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS)  provides opinions on health and safety risks (chemical, biological, mechanical and other physical risks) of non-food consumer products and cosmetics.  You can see all the members with scientific background and their CVs here. They are experts in their fields.

 

On 16 March 2016, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) confirmed its position that the preservative, phenoxyethanol is safe for use in cosmetic formulations up to the use level of 1%. This level is accepted to be safe by EU and Japanese cosmetic regulations as well.  You can read the scientific publication here.

 

Cosmetic formulators try to keep concentration of preservatives (i.e. phenoxyethanol) as low as possible by adding potentiating agents such as ethylhexylglycerin or other materials. This way they obtain the highest level of protection of the consumer and the product, while keeping the level of phenoxyethanol below 1%, the confirmed amount by SCCS.
Conclusion: SCCS says it is safe to use Phenoxyethanol in cosmetics up to 1% in the product formulation.

Phenoxyethanol and Children

 

The European Commission asked the SCCS for a safety assessment of the Phenoxyethanol due to concerns over potential effects on children. SCSS has confirmed that the margin of safety for phenoxyethanol that covers this age group.
Here is the confirmed opinion of SCCS on the safety of Phenoxyethanol with approved concentration (click here)!

 

SCCS Conclusion:

 

Does SCCS confirm that Phenoxyethanol safe to use in cosmetics at a maximum concentration of 1%?
Yes! Phenoxyethanol usage is safe in cosmetics, at the current maximum concentration (1%) or less, for all consumers, regardless of their age.

Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of Phenoxyethanol in cosmetic products?
The Opinion on Phenoxyethanol (click here to see the report) does not take into account exposure from other sources than cosmetics.

 

Why Phenoxyethanol is used in cosmetics and even in natural products?

 

It is all about preventing spoilage and bacterial growth in the products. Most naturally preserved products have a shorter shelf-life (usually 3-6 months) once they’re opened and exposed to oxygen. After this period, you can start seeing growth or the product going rancid. None of us wants to risk our health. With parabens out of the picture, one of the most reliable preservatives is Phenoxyethanol. The SCCS confirmation from Europe and Japanese regulations make Phenoxyethanol a very attractive preservative (at less than 1%) even for natural products to protect the consumer’s health.

 

Environmental Safety

 

The European Union Ecolabel program has shown that Phenoxyethanol is readily biodegradable, and will biodegrade in wastewater treatment plants, other water and soil environments.

 

What does EWG (Environmental Working Group) say on Phenoxyethanol?

 

EWG’s page on phenoxyethanol (click here)

  • Overall hazard: low
  • No information on cancer
  • No information on developmental & reproductive toxicity
  • Low concerns for allergies & immunotoxicity
  • Classified as toxic or harmful for products (only for products for use around the mouth; products for use on the lips)
  • Not suspected to be an environmental toxin

Products that are EWG verified could have phenoxyethanol less than 1%.

 

Is there natural Phenoxyethanol in plants?

 

Yes, phenoxyethanol can be found naturally in green tea and chicory. Isn’t that interesting?

 

What can grow in cosmetics that are out of date?

 

Scientists at London Metropolitan University tested a blusher, foundation, mascara, lip stick and lip gloss that were past their due date and found that these out of date cosmetics contain unsafe levels of potentially lethal bacteria ( article). Can you imagine a product without a preservative? Scary!

 

Picture from here

Summary?

 

Phenoxyethanol use in cosmetics at the SCCS and EU recommended concentration is a GOOD THING! It protects us and the product from nasty microorganisms.  It is now proven and confirmed by a body of experts not only from EU but also internationally. I like my products microbe free and safe!

 

Do you have skin sensitivities or allergic reactions to a lot of chemicals and still want to stay away from phenoxyethanol? Then, you can look for naturally preserved products, yet please pay extra attention to PAO and expiration date to protect your skin and health.

 

Thank you

Dr. Ebru

 

 

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