Phenoxyethanol
What it is
A synthetic glycol ether (CAS 122-99-6) used as a broad-spectrum preservative. The default paraben replacement in most 'paraben-free' formulas.
In this product: Antimicrobial preservative.
Dose & route, what actually matters
Dermal, leave-on application. FDA in 2008 warned against phenoxyethanol-containing products near the nipple area of nursing infants due to potential nervous system depression in neonates.
EUROPEAN UNION
Authorized under EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V/28 at maximum 1.0%. French ANSM Decision (March 2019): leave-on cosmetics containing phenoxyethanol must not be used on the nappy area of children under 3. (The French nationwide label requirement was later repealed at EU level, but the underlying toxicological concern in infants remains documented.)
UNITED STATES
No concentration limit; no labeling requirement. e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer uses it as its preservative.
The evidence
SCCS Opinion (October 2016): 'Phenoxyethanol was considered safe at a maximum concentration of 1.0% even for specific age groups including children.' EU binding 1.0% limit is in force.
regulatory · 2016 · source
French ANSM Decision (March 2019): mandatory label warning on leave-on cosmetics containing phenoxyethanol not to be used on nappy-skin area of children under 3, based on reproductive/developmental animal data.
regulatory · 2019 · source
California Prop 65: Not listed.
How to avoid it
Not a concern for adult use at regulated concentrations. If you have infants, choose preservative-free or phenoxyethanol-free baby products as a precaution.
Where it hides
Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.