Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in cosmetic products and also as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps. Phenoxyethanol is an ether alcohol that is naturally derived from green tea but is usually synthesized in a lab.

Phenoxyethanol has been shown to be readily biodegradable, and will biodegrade in wastewater treatment plants as well as other water and soil environments. Data indicates the compound tends to remain in the aqueous environment with a minimal tendency to adsorb to activated sludge, soil or sediment. The potential for phenoxyethanol to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms or accumulate in the food chain is negligible.

Phenoxyethanol is safe for all consumers – including children of all ages – when used as a preservative in cosmetic products at a maximum concentration of 1%

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。