Preservatives

Phenoxyethanol: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile

Also known as: Ethylene Glycol Monophenyl Ether

A broad-spectrum preservative that prevents bacterial, yeast and mould growth. The most widely used paraben alternative.

Comedogenic

0/5

Safe

0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging

Irritancy

1/5

Low Risk

0 = inert · 5 = often irritating

Function

Preservatives

Pregnancy

Generally considered safe

Vegan

Typically yes

Also Known As

Ethylene Glycol Monophenyl Ether

Quick verdict

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative with a safe comedogenic profile (0/5) and low risk irritancy (1/5). A broad-spectrum preservative that prevents bacterial, yeast and mould growth. The most widely used paraben alternative.

What is Phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative used to prevent bacterial, yeast and mould growth in cosmetic formulations. It is the most widely used preservative globally, particularly in 'paraben-free' products. It is approved at concentrations up to 1% in the EU, UK and Japan and has an extensive safety record across decades of use.

Comedogenic Rating: What 0/5 Means for Your Skin

Phenoxyethanol is rated 0/5 comedogenic. It is a small molecule used at low concentrations (≤1%) primarily for microbial protection of the rest of the formula.

Benefits for skin

Effective at low concentrations (≤1%)
EU-approved and globally accepted
Less allergenic than methylisothiazolinone

Potential side effects & who should avoid it

Phenoxyethanol has a 1/5 irritancy rating. Allergy is rare but documented, particularly in eczema-prone skin. Sensitised users may react to multiple products containing it. The capped concentration of 1% in regulated markets prevents most cumulative exposure issues.

Best for

All skin types

Avoid if

Documented allergy to phenoxyethanol

How to use Phenoxyethanol safely

No special precautions for most users. If you have a documented allergy or recurrent contact dermatitis, look for products preserved with sodium benzoate plus potassium sorbate, or alcohol-preserved formulations.

Commonly found in

Phenoxyethanol is in serums, moisturisers, toners, sunscreens and most water-based skincare globally. It is one of the most prevalent preservatives in modern cosmetics.

Found Phenoxyethanol in your skincare?

Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.

Frequently asked questions

Is phenoxyethanol comedogenic?

No — 0/5.

Is phenoxyethanol safe for sensitive skin?

Yes for most. A small minority develop contact allergy — patch test if you have a history of cosmetic reactions.

Can I use phenoxyethanol every day?

Yes. EU regulations cap it at 1% to prevent cumulative exposure issues.

Is phenoxyethanol toxic?

At 1% in cosmetics, no. Higher concentrations are restricted by safety regulators.

Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.

Sources

Written by ScanSkinAI Cosmetic Science Team · Last updated June 2026

This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.