Phenoxyethanol in Beauty: Is It Toxic or Not? (+ 6 Phenoxyethanol-Free Skincare Brands)

You may be confused by the use of phenoxyethanol as a "low-tox" ingredient in skincare and personal care products. Some clean beauty advocates avoid it, while many formulators and regulatory agencies consider it a safe, effective preservative. So, is phenoxyethanol toxic or non-toxic? Let’s explore the science, the controversy, and what it means for your non-toxic living journey.

What Is Phenoxyethanol and Where Does It Come From?

Phenoxyethanol is a colorless, oily liquid with a faint rose-like scent. Chemically, it’s classified as a glycol ether and a phenol ether, and its structure allows it to act as both a solvent and a preservative.

While phenoxyethanol occurs naturally in small amounts in green tea and some other plants, the ingredient used in cosmetics is almost always synthetic. It’s made by reacting phenol (derived from petroleum or plant sources) with ethylene oxide, a process that produces a highly purified, stable compound suitable for use in consumer products.

Why does this matter? The synthetic process ensures consistency, purity, and safety, but it also means that phenoxyethanol is not a “natural” ingredient by most definitions. Some consumers are concerned about the use of petroleum-derived chemicals or the potential for contamination with byproducts like 1,4-dioxane (a known carcinogen), though reputable manufacturers batch test their phenoxyethanol for safety and purity.

How to Know What a Brand Derives Their Phenoxyethanol From

Transparency is key in clean beauty, but it can be challenging to find out exactly where a brand sources its phenoxyethanol. Most brands, including DIME Beauty, use cosmetic-grade phenoxyethanol that is synthetically produced and highly purified.

DIME, for example, states that they use phenoxyethanol at concentrations below 1% and regularly test for contaminants. However, they do not disclose the original source (petroleum vs. plant-based), which is common in the industry due to the global supply chain and the chemical’s synthetic nature.

If you want to know more about a brand’s sourcing, look for:

• Full ingredient disclosure on websites and packaging

• Third-party certifications (like EWG VERIFIED™ or MADE SAFE®)

• Direct communication with the brand’s customer service

Keep in mind that even “natural” phenoxyethanol would require significant processing to be used at scale, so most products rely on the synthetic version for safety and efficacy.

What Is Phenoxyethanol Used for in Product Formulation?

Phenoxyethanol is primarily used as a preservative in cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products. Its main job is to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold, which could otherwise spoil products and pose health risks to consumers. It is effective across a broad spectrum of microbes and works well in combination with other preservatives.

Other uses include:

• Acting as a solvent for fragrances and other ingredients

• Stabilizing formulas to maintain product integrity

• Serving as a fixative in perfumes

• Providing mild antimicrobial protection in pharmaceuticals and even some vaccines

Without preservatives like phenoxyethanol, water-based products would quickly become contaminated and unsafe to use. This is especially true for products that are opened and closed repeatedly, such as creams, lotions, and serums.

Is Phenoxyethanol Allowed in EWG VERIFIED™, MADE SAFE®, and Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products?

Yes, phenoxyethanol is permitted in EWG VERIFIED™, MADE SAFE®, and Cradle to Cradle Certified™ products, but with restrictions. EWG allows phenoxyethanol in products if it meets strict concentration limits (typically less than 1%) and passes their safety review for use and contamination.

MADE SAFE® and Cradle to Cradle also allow phenoxyethanol at low concentrations, recognizing it as a safer alternative to parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

However, some clean beauty brands like Jackfir and clean beauty advocates choose to avoid phenoxyethanol entirely, citing consumer preference or a desire to minimize synthetic ingredients. Others include it because it is globally approved, effective, and generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Phenoxyethanol and Affordable, Accessible Products

Preservatives are essential for product safety, but not all are created equal. Phenoxyethanol is popular because it is:

• Effective at low concentrations (up to 1%)

• Stable across a wide range of pH and temperatures

• Compatible with many ingredients

• Affordable and widely available

Alternatives to phenoxyethanol, such as potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, or “preservative-free” systems, can be more expensive, less effective, or more difficult to formulate with. Some natural preservatives require higher concentrations, which can affect product texture, scent, and shelf life.

Not to say it isn't impossible to formulate without phenoxyethanol, it absolutely is - it will likely just result in a more expensive product.

The cost and complexity of developing new, effective preservatives is high—only a handful have been approved in the past decade, and many require significant testing for safety and efficacy18. This makes phenoxyethanol a practical choice for brands seeking to balance safety, effectiveness, and affordability.

So -Is Phenoxyethanol Toxic or Non-Toxic?

This is where the debate heats up. Regulatory agencies worldwide—including the U.S. FDA, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel—agree that phenoxyethanol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%. Studies show that adverse effects occur only at much higher exposures than what consumers encounter in daily use.

Phenoxyethanol is considered a rare sensitizer, meaning allergic reactions are uncommon. It is not classified as a carcinogen, reproductive toxin, or endocrine disruptor at allowed concentrations. However, some reports suggest caution for infants under three years old, especially in products used around the diaper area, due to their increased skin permeability and sensitivity.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates phenoxyethanol as a “2-4” on their safety scale (1 being safest, 10 most hazardous), noting low concerns for cancer, allergies, and developmental toxicity, and moderate concerns for skin irritation in some individuals. Products that meet safety guidelines and use phenoxyethanol below 1% are considered low risk for most users.

Why Non-Toxic Living Is About Doing Your Best—Not Perfection

The goal of non-toxic or low-tox living isn’t to eliminate every single synthetic or controversial ingredient from your life. It’s about reducing your overall exposure to harmful substances, making informed choices, and supporting your body’s natural ability to heal. In today’s world, complete avoidance of all potential toxins is impossible.

Phenoxyethanol illustrates this balance. For many, it’s a reasonable compromise: a preservative that keeps products safe, extends shelf life, and avoids more hazardous alternatives. For others with highly sensitive skin or a desire to minimize all synthetics, it may be worth seeking out phenoxyethanol-free options—just be aware that these products may be more expensive, have a shorter shelf life, or require refrigeration.

Remember, non-toxic living is about progress, not perfection. Replace products as you run out, choose brands with transparent ingredient sourcing, and focus on the overall pattern of your choices rather than obsessing over every single ingredient. This approach supports your health, reduces stress, and helps build a more sustainable, mindful lifestyle.

Six Phenoxyethanol-Free Skincare Brands

If avoiding phenoxyethanol is part of your low-tox lifestyle, here are some skincare brands that we recommend ⬇️

The Bottom Line:

• Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative widely used in cosmetics and personal care products for its effectiveness, stability, and safety at low concentrations.

• It is generally considered non-toxic at concentrations up to 1%, with rare reports of irritation or allergy.

• Regulatory agencies in the US, EU, and Japan approve its use and recognize it as a safer alternative to parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

• EWG VERIFIED™, MADE SAFE®, and Cradle to Cradle Certified™ products may contain phenoxyethanol if used within strict safety limits.

• Formulating without phenoxyethanol is possible but can be more costly and challenging for product stability and safety.

• Non-toxic living is about making informed, balanced choices—not chasing an impossible ideal of perfection.

If you’re concerned about phenoxyethanol or any ingredient, look for brands that are transparent, certified, and committed to safe, effective formulations. Ultimately, the best choice is one that aligns with your values, your needs, your lifestyle and your budget!