Phenoxyethanol

INCI: Phenoxyethanol

Functions:

• Preservative in cosmetic products
• Stabilizer in perfumes and soaps

Benefits:

• An ether alcohol naturally derived from green tea but it is usually synthesized in a lab for cosmetic use.
• Has great thermal stability up to 85°C.
• Works on a wide range of pH levels.
• Have a good safety profile (safe & gentle) and used in many types of formulations.
• Readily biodegradable with data indicating the compound tends to remain in the aqueous environment with a minimal tendency to be absorbed by activated sludge, soil or sediment. The potential for phenoxyethanol to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms or accumulate in the food chain is negligible.

Country of Origin: USA

How to Use & Recommended Usage Rate:

• Can be incorporated in a variety of cosmetic products.
• Added as the last ingredient and lowest temperature (≤45°C) possible.
• Recommended use level between 0.3% to 1%.

Solubility:

• Miscible in water, lower alcohols and glycols.
• Low solubility in hydrocarbons.

pH & Temperature Considerations:

• Effective at pH range of pH3 to pH10.
• Stable up to 70°C.

Colour & Physical State: Clear, colourless to yellow liquid

Storage Recommendation:

• Keep in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.

化妆品中普遍使用的苯氧乙醇是由化学合成的，但它也天然存在于绿茶当中。从1950年代开始使用于保养品中，它具有很长的使用历史及相当程度的安全性。苯氧乙醇具有相当广谱的抑菌性。它可以作为香精增溶剂，同时也具有留香和定香的效果。

在环境污染方面，苯氧乙醇具有生物降解性，在排放废水及其他水源和土壤环境中都可以被降解。此外，研究资料显示出极少部分的苯氧乙醇会吸附在水中的土壤、淤泥及沉积物中。然而，苯氧乙醇经由此一途径累积于水生生物体内而进入食物链中累积的浓度是可极低而可忽略的。