Product Description

Preservative for Cosmetic & Personal Care Formulations

Phenoxyethanol is a widely used liquid preservative that helps protect cosmetic and personal-care formulations against microbial contamination and spoilage, particularly bacterial growth. It is commonly used in creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, face washes, body washes, gels and other water-containing formulations.

Product Specifications

Appearance:
Clear, colourless, slightly viscous liquid.

Odour:
Mild characteristic, slightly aromatic/rose-like odour.

Solubility: Moderately soluble in water and readily soluble in many alcohols, glycols and compatible formulation ingredients.

Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months when stored correctly; follow supplier specifications.

Function:
Cosmetic preservative • Antimicrobial ingredient

Key Benefits

Preservative — Helps protect suitable formulations against microbial spoilage.

Good Bacterial Protection — Particularly useful for controlling a broad range of bacteria.

Versatile — Compatible with many cosmetic and personal-care product formats.

Broad pH Usability — Useful across a relatively wide formulation pH range.

Liquid Form — Convenient to measure and incorporate.

Useful in Preservative Blends — Can be combined with compatible preservative boosters or antifungal components where broader protection is required.

Safety Information

For cosmetic and formulation use only.
Avoid direct contact with eyes and prolonged contact with concentrated material.
Use gloves and safety glasses during bulk handling.
Use only within recommended and applicable regulatory limits.
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from children.

FAQs

What is Phenoxyethanol?
Phenoxyethanol is an antimicrobial ingredient widely used as a preservative in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.

Why is Phenoxyethanol used in cosmetics?
It helps protect water-containing products from microbial contamination and spoilage, thereby supporting product safety and shelf stability.

What products can Phenoxyethanol be used in?
It is commonly used in creams, lotions, serums, shampoos, conditioners, face washes, body washes, hand washes and gels.

How much Phenoxyethanol should I use?
A common cosmetic formulation range is approximately 0.5–1.0%, subject to the formulation, supplier recommendation and applicable regulations.

Is 1% Phenoxyethanol always necessary?
No. The correct level depends on the formulation and preservative system. Using the maximum amount unnecessarily is not good formulation practice.