What is it: Phenoxyethanol and is it safe?
Phenoxyethanol is the new darling of the chemical industry and it is increasingly turning up in cosmetics as preservative. It only recently came to public attention in the US when the FDA issued a warning about its use in a cream, called Mommy Bliss, for nursing mothers. The FDA warned that phenoxyethanol can cause shut down of the central nervous system, vomiting and contact dermatitis.
So what is phenoxyethanol and should we try to avoid it?
Phenoxyethanol is a glycol ether (not ‘ester’ as I incorrectly wrote in the first version of this post). Glycols are a series of chemicals that find their way into all sorts of things: paint, lacquer, jet fuel….. Phenoxyethanol is used as an anti-bacterial in cosmetics as well as a stabilizer in perfume.
The product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) says that it phenoxyethanol is harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin and that it can cause reproductive damage. The MSDS refers to 100% concentrations, so is it safe at lower doses? In cosmetics the concentrations are typically 0.5% to 1%.
There are several animal studies that demonstrate that it is toxic – with effects on the brain and the nervous system – at moderate concentrations. In Japan, there is a concentration limit for its use in cosmetics. In Europe, the European Union classifies it as an irritant and there are various studies (on rabbit skin, for example) that demonstrate reactions at low doses. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) data sheets show chromosomal changes and genetic mutation effects in
testing as well as testicular atrophy and interference with
reproductivity in mice.
I also came across a report written by a medical professional who contracted allergies after coming into contact with phenoxyethanol in a detergent used for cleaning lab equipment. It seems he wasn’t a fluke. There are over 3,000 known allergans and they were studied, along with the data from 9,948 patients, by a research team in Germany. Phenoxyethanol was in the top 10.
Phenoxyethanol breaks down to phenol and acetaldehyde, acetaldehyde converts to acetate. Phenol can disable the immune system’s primary response mechanism. Given that, it is at best ironic, that phenoxyethanol is used as an anti-bacterial in vaccines. Acetaldehyde occurs during the breakdown of ethanol, (alchohol and
2-phenoxyETHANOL), it is a suspected carcinogen. Inhalation studies have shown irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
I feel that given the wealth of evidence, I’d rather give it a miss even at concentrations of 1% or lower. That, however, is easier said than done. Phenoxyethanol is becoming ubiquitous. A random survey (that didn’t even require me to get up from by desk) of six products lying around waiting for us to review, revealed that three of them contain phenoxyethanol. I’ve even seen it in baby lotion.
Another irony is that it is showing up so frequently because manufacturers are trying to be paraben-free and phenoxy’ is being used as alternative.
Related articles
Five Best products without phenoxyethanol
The FDA warning on phenoxyethanol
Natural alternatives to phenoxyethanol
Parabens and other preservatives
Estrogen in cosmetics and links to cancer
What is it: Estrogen in my face cream
Sodium benzoate isn’t much fun either
A doctor warns us against parabens, aluminum and phthalates in a new book called Anticancer
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Are there any preservatives that are safe? I’d like to get a list of preservatives that I can safely use.
The alternative is either to purchase products that contain no water (which mold and bacteria need to thrive) or to only buy or make enough product to be used during the days or weeks of shelf-life that a preservative free product has.
Good suggestion. I’ll put together a list of safe and non-irritating preservatives over the next few weeks.
Marta’s comments are somewhat misleading. The real problem with the Mommy’s Bliss cream was chlorphenesin, which is not supposed to be used in products that may be injested.
Phenoxyethanol is NOT a glycol ester. It is an ether.
Japan and Europe only allow approved preservatives and they place a limit on ALL approved preservatives, so the fact that they have a limit on phenoxyethanol does not imply it is dangerous.
Phenoxyethanol will only break down to phenol in the presence of VERY strong acids.
It it important to remember that DOSAGE is everything when it comes to toxicity. Many vital nutrients are toxic at high doses. Many poisons are totally harmless at low doses.
The wealth of evidence on phenoxyethanol is that it is safe. It even occurs naturally in green tea (see reference).
YAMAGUCHI, K. and SHIBAMOTO, T. (1981). Volatile constituents of green tea, Gyokuro (Camellia
sinensis L. var Yabukita). J. Agric. Food Chem. 29, 366-70.
For the record, this is what the FDA said about phenoxyethanol in relation to Mommy’s Bliss: “Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that is primarily used in cosmetics and medications. It also can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants.”
I agree that dosage is key. Is it too much to ask that manufacturers tell us how much of a potentially toxic product they use?
You are right about it being an ether , not an ester; a typo that has now been corrected.
Thanks to Ken for the clarification. While this article contains some vital information, it’s very important to tell the entire story– not just one side of it. I’d also like to add that the statement on parabens is also misleading. The toxicity and potential danger level of parabens is disputed among scientists. Dismissing the arguments against paraben use (which ARE valid) and merely pointing out that parabens “irritate marine life” is extremely problematic.
The truth is cancer, developmental diseases, and birth defects are all on the rise, among many other illnesses. This is a result of many things, including the use of various chemicals in personal care products and cosmetics. Phenoxyethanol, parabens, and other preservatives fall into this category, and every single one of them should be questioned– equally, and in an objective and rational manner.
I think we are violently agreeing. Generally, we take the view that we should question the use of these chemicals. But scientists are divided and I am merely pointing out the question of marine life is one where there seems to be a consensus.
I think with all the allergens and toxins out there in the world and with what will work for one person, may not work for the next person; people need to be aware of what ingredients that may cause reactions for them.
I find the two supposedly healthy products I used had Phenoxyethanol in. I’d been having reactions since using the products and I couldn’t figure out why. So I discontinued the products (now for a week) and I feel so much better and no reactions!
I opt to look for products with the least amount of ingredients in them and that are dubbed ’safe-to-eat’, to use on my body.
First I would like to address the comment I would rather use products that are dubbed “safe to eat”. Well your natural bacteria on your face that is there to protect you, might not agree with food bacteria that could carry a more serious problem for you than a safe chemical ingredient that does not cause any health issues, but most likely is more safe for you than some natural ingredients. Many of those are called “Natural Moisturizing Factors” that are the same as your own.
My second comment is we must remember that irritating ingredients (Essential volatile oils) harm your skin even if you do not see it or feel it, the damage is on going just the same. When you have more than one in a product and you use several products a day from Deodorants to face and body products, you are putting many, many irritating ingredients on your skin day after day, after day. That all adds up to serious skin issues. The job of the consumer is to learn both sides of the cosmetic ingredient issue, Natural ingredients and Safe chemical ingredients.
Not all Naturals are good, nor are all Chemicals bad!
I’ve been doing some research of my own on a specific Conditioner I purchased on ebay. It was listed as 92% organic ingredients. I thought to myself…”I wonder what other ingredients they’re adding?” I picked apart every ingredient in the product & PHENOXYETHANOL was the only one I found to be substantially harmful to humans.
When we’re using Shampoos, Conditioners, Body washes & soaps in the shower, the products that go on are skin are also partially being inhaled when they mix & evaporate with hot water. One thing that stood out to me with PHENOXYETHANOL was the damage to DNA & the possibility of respiratory problems(Acute pulmonary edema).
Also PHENOXYETHANOL is linked to cause dermatitis(inflamation of the skin). I’d prefer my skin, shampoo & conditioner products to not cause irritation at all.
What healthy alternative to Phenoxyethanol can I use if I start making my own conditioners? Or is it not realy needed at all in haircare products?
Here are some alternative preservatives: http://www.truthinaging.com/hair/what-is-it-natural-preservative-alternatives-to-phenoxyethanol-and-parabens
[...] does when it enters our body (this reiterates what the MSDS states to be true): “Phenoxyethanol breaks down to phenol and acetaldehyde, acetaldehyde converts to acetate. Phenol can disable the [...]
I have to ask a question. After checking the “about” pages for everyone on this site, not a single contributor noted any background in either chemistry, or any applicable field. I did notice a few mentions of journalism backgrounds, but that most certainly does not qualify someone as knowledgable in this area. Why should I trust the opinions of writers on this subject as opposed to scientists?