preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Fearmongered, actually fine·Strong evidence
A widely used preservative, safe at the legal limit of 1% or less. Often the "paraben-free" replacement.
The myth vs the evidence
Feared because it appears on some "avoid" lists, but the SCCS confirms it is safe up to 1%, the level products use.
Products with Phenoxyethanol
- 100CeraVeHydrating Facial Cleanser
- 100The OrdinaryNiacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- 100CeraVeMoisturizing Cream
- 100CetaphilDaily Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid
- 100The OrdinaryHyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
- 96EucerinAdvanced Repair Lotion
- 89The OrdinaryAzelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- 89CeraVeHydrating Body Wash
- 86The OrdinaryAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
- 85NeutrogenaHydro Boost Water Gel
- 85Garnier FructisGarnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Conditioner
- 77Bath & Body WorksWarm Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion
- 75ThayersWitch Hazel Toner, Alcohol-Free Original
- 70PixiGlow Tonic
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.