Phenoxyethanol is a widely used organic compound that belongs to the class of glycol ethers. It is typically a clear, colorless liquid with a faint, pleasant aromatic odor. It is slightly soluble in water and miscible with most common organic solvents, cosmetic oils, and alcohols. It has good thermal stability and chemical compatibility, making it compatible with a broad range of cosmetic and personal care ingredients. It is a key ingredient in many formulations due to its combined properties of preservation and mildness, and is widely applied in personal care products, cosmetics, and even some pharmaceutical preparations.

Efficacy

Effective Preservative Action: It is a broad-spectrum preservative that can inhibit the growth and reproduction of a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and yeasts. It works by disrupting the normal metabolic processes of microbial cells, thus preventing product spoilage caused by microbial contamination and extending the shelf life of products. It is often used alone or in combination with other preservatives to achieve a synergistic effect and enhance the overall preservation performance, while reducing the dosage of individual preservatives to minimize potential irritation.

Gentle and Skin-Friendly: Compared with many traditional preservatives, phenoxyethanol has low skin and eye irritation. It is suitable for various skin types, including sensitive skin. It does not easily cause allergic reactions under normal usage concentrations in cosmetic formulations, making it a preferred preservative choice for mild and high-safety personal care products.

Emollient and Moisturizing Auxiliary Effect: It has mild emollient properties, which can help soften the skin, improve the skin's smoothness and texture, and give the skin a comfortable and non-greasy feel. It can also assist in enhancing the moisture retention capacity of the formulation, helping to lock in skin moisture and maintain skin hydration.

Formulation Stabilizer: It can improve the stability of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the uniformity and consistency of emulsions, preventing the separation of oil and water phases. It also has a certain solubilizing effect, which can help dissolve some oil-soluble active ingredients that are difficult to dissolve, making the formulation more homogeneous and effective.