Phenoxyethanol <ILN47428

TL;DR. This ingredient is a preservative used to protect water-containing formulas from microbial growth. It is often paired with other preservation boosters to broaden coverage and improve performance at low levels.

What does Phenoxyethanol <ILN47428 do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is a preservative used to protect water-containing formulas from microbial growth. It is often paired with other preservation boosters to broaden coverage and improve performance at low levels.

Is Phenoxyethanol <ILN47428 clean?

From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is widely used and legally capped in many markets, but it has clean-standard friction because some retailers and certification systems restrict or exclude it. It is generally well tolerated at typical cosmetic levels, though eye-area formulas and very sensitive skin can be more reactive.

Is Phenoxyethanol <ILN47428 sustainable?

This material is typically made through petrochemical processing rather than renewable sourcing. It is considered biodegradable, but its fossil feedstock and synthetic manufacturing route keep its sustainability profile mixed.

Is Phenoxyethanol <ILN47428 COSMOS-approved?

This ingredient is not permitted in COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic certified formulas. From a Green Chemistry perspective, it performs efficiently at low use levels and can reduce product spoilage, but it does not score strongly on renewable feedstock alignment.

How does Phenoxyethanol <ILN47428 work chemically?

The molecule is a small aromatic ether alcohol, which gives it both oil and water compatibility and helps it partition into microbial membranes. Typical cosmetic use is about 0.5% to 1.0%, with a regulatory maximum of 1.0% in the EU, and it is stable across a broad pH range commonly used in skin and hair care.

Last updated 2026-05-13