Phenoxyethanol
A widely-used cosmetic preservative considered pregnancy-safe at cosmetic concentrations. Recommended as a paraben alternative by the FDA, EU, and Health Canada.
Quick answer
Phenoxyethanol is pregnancy-safe at cosmetic concentrations (up to 1% in finished products). The FDA, EU SCCS, and Health Canada all accept it as one of the safer paraben-alternative preservatives. SafeMom explicitly de-flags it from the generic “preservatives caution” bucket.
INCI name
Phenoxyethanol
CAS number
122-99-6
Also known as
Ethylene glycol phenyl ether, 2-phenoxyethanol, Euxyl K 400 (when combined with methylisothiazolinone)
Formula
C8H10O2
What is Phenoxyethanol?
What phenoxyethanol is
Phenoxyethanol (2-phenoxyethanol) is a glycol ether — a clear, mild-smelling liquid that prevents bacterial and fungal growth in water-based cosmetics and toiletries1. It has been used in cosmetics since the 1950s and is one of the most-tested preservatives in the modern formulator’s toolkit.
Cosmetic regulators in major markets cap phenoxyethanol at 1.0% in finished leave-on and rinse-off products, a limit set with substantial safety margin2. At that concentration it’s effective against a broad range of contaminating microbes while remaining well-tolerated on skin.
Why phenoxyethanol gets a SAFE rating during pregnancy
Phenoxyethanol has been evaluated repeatedly by independent safety bodies:
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration permits its use in cosmetics with no restriction beyond standard cosmetic safety requirements3.
- The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) reviewed phenoxyethanol most recently in 2016 and concluded it is safe for consumers at up to 1% in cosmetic products, including for children under 32.
- Health Canada classifies it as acceptable in cosmetic products.
- Pharmacokinetic data show phenoxyethanol is rapidly metabolized to phenoxyacetic acid and excreted in urine within hours of dermal exposure — there is no bioaccumulation4.
SafeMom explicitly excludes phenoxyethanol from the generic “preservatives” caution flag because of this evidence base. If you see it on a label during pregnancy, no concern is warranted at cosmetic concentrations.
The one breastfeeding caveat
The FDA has advised caution for phenoxyethanol in nipple creams and other products applied directly to the breast area while breastfeeding5. The concern is that an infant could ingest the preservative during a feed. For ordinary topical adult skincare during breastfeeding (face moisturizers, body lotions), phenoxyethanol remains safe.
Is Phenoxyethanol safe while breastfeeding?
Phenoxyethanol is safe in topical adult skincare during breastfeeding. The FDA does advise caution for nipple-area products (creams, balms applied directly where the baby latches), where infant ingestion is possible — choose nipple-area products without phenoxyethanol.
Related questions
When to talk to your OB
If you used a product containing Phenoxyethanol before learning you were pregnant, mention it at your next prenatal visit — but most topical cosmetic exposures are not a cause for panic. For prescription exposures or specific concerns, contact your OB or midwife directly.
Sources
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (1990). Final report on the safety assessment of phenoxyethanol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology. View source →
- Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). (2016). Opinion on phenoxyethanol. European Commission. View source →
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cosmetics ingredient database — phenoxyethanol. FDA. View source →
- Troutman JA, Rick DL, Stuard SB, et al. (2015). Dermal penetration and pharmacokinetics of phenoxyethanol. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. View source →
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2008). Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream — FDA Warning to Consumers. FDA. View source →