Make an Informed Decision About Phenoxyethanol

The topic of preservatives often stirs up a lot of controversy and confusion. With so much misinformation circulating, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction. Just remember, preservatives are safer than bacteria. One preservative we’d like to shine some light on is the often-debated phenoxyethanol. In this blog post, we’ll arm you with the facts, debunk the fiction, and help you make savvy, science-backed choices.

Phenoxyethanol is a widely studied and well-documented preservative with a solid safety profile. It is a glycol ether and a type of alcohol that is naturally occurring in green tea, however phenoxyethanol is synthetically produced for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has reviewed phenoxyethanol and deemed it safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%. Its efficacy in preventing the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold makes it an essential component in maintaining the safety and longevity of skincare products. Unlike some preservatives that release formaldehyde, phenoxyethanol is non-releasing, making it a safer alternative in many formulations.

There is no “one size fits all” preservative. Even if you say "well, it's an emulsion so can't I just use caprylyl glycol and phenyl alcohol?". Nope, please note preservation isn’t just a matter of adding a preservative and then blissfully being done. Proper cGMP, packaging, pH, water activity, etc. must be considered. Even just following and understanding Hurdle Technology, it is still not good practice to oversimplify the concern of preservation.

As you are aware, Essential Labs uses phenoxyethanol in most of our products. This is because we create and then test based on unknowns. You, as the customer, are purchasing our products and adding small amounts of essential oils and extracts. We test to ensure the products hold up; with that said, we are NOT responsible for any failures once you touch the product, as we are unaware of how you process anything, so please do send your finished product for PET (Preservative Efficacy Testing). We do have phenoxyethanol-free products as well, along with third-party testing where applicable.

Looking for Something Phenoxyethanol-Free? Try a Few of our Top-Selling Options:

CoQ10 Cream to Gel: Give customers the perfect light and breathable modern moisturizer with our CoQ10 Hydrating Cream to Gel. Packed with plant-based super-star ingredients like astaxanthin, seabuckthorn berry extract, sal butter and more, this innovative cream with the help of the highest antioxidant ingredient, Coenzyme Q10 fights environmental pollutants while rolling back visible signs of aging. Preserved with caprylhydroxamic acid, glyceryl caprylate, and glycerin.

Probiotic Shampoo & Body Wash: This gentle shampoo and body wash supports a healthy scalp and skin, while adding shine to the hair, and a dewy glow to the skin with an array of probiotics. Rich in a variety of zizyphus joazeiro bark extract, alpha-glucan oligosaccharide and gentle surfactants for a sudsy cleanse, this dual-purpose wash is especially well-suited for urban environments and pollution exposure. Preserved with lactobacillus ferment, lactobacillus and coconut (cocos nucifera) fruit extract.

Rejuvenating Skin Oil: An immediate hit as an all-around wonder oil, premium ingredients like lycopene, CoQ10, and chia seed combine with delicate jasmine and rose scents for a luxurious oil designed to pamper. The antioxidants used (vitamin E + CoQ10) support one another not only for the environmental effects harming your skin & hair, but for the life of the oil itself.

Moisturizing Body Cream: This deeply moisturizing cream uses premium plant-based ingredients such as babassu, hemp, avocado and cupuacu which give skin the essential fatty acid and antioxidant boost it needs. This thick cream is surprisingly lightweight and non-greasy while supplying your skin with some of the best nourishment it’s ever had, whether you use it during the day or as a night cream. Preserved with dehydroacetic acid and benzyl alcohol.

Essential Exotic Face & Body Oil: Treat yourself with a liquid velvet oil that leaves skin soft and supple with an antioxidant punch from baobab oil, pumpkin seed oil, cranberry oil… the list goes on. On top of this, luxurious neroli essential oil adds an exotic scent profile ideal for premium lines. Similar to Rejuvenating Skin Oil, the antioxidants do all the work to prolong the life of this oil.

While it's important to be cautious and informed about the ingredients in your skincare products, it's equally important to rely on science and credible sources. Phenoxyethanol, when used correctly, is a safe and effective preservative that helps ensure the products you use remain free from harmful microbial growth. At Essential Labs, we prioritize your safety and the efficacy of our products by carefully selecting and testing our preservatives, including phenoxyethanol. We encourage our customers to continue educating themselves and to reach out with any questions or concerns about their skincare choices.