Phenoxyethanol

Description

Phenoxyethanol is a versatile preservative effective against bacteria. It is not sufficient as a stand-alone preservative as it is not effective against fungi and so must be used in combination with an anti-fungal agent. Potassium sorbate can be useful in this regard but only in formulations with a low pH.

Phenoxyethanol is regarded as safe when used at 1% or less in a formulation though it can be a mild irritant to the eyes and so should be handled with caution. Interestingly, it also acts as a fixative for fragrances and so helps to protect the smell of your product as well.
It is soluble in both water and oil and is inactivated by ethoxylated surfactants.

This product is intended for external use only