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.
Quick facts about Phenoxyethanol
Safe
0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging
Low Risk
0 = inert · 5 = often irritating
Preservatives
Generally considered safe
Typically yes
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
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.
Written by ScanSkinAI Team · Last updated May 2026
This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.