Phenoxyethanol in skincare

Introduction

The skincare world is constantly changing, and consumers are becoming more aware of what they put on their skin. One of them happens to be phenoxyethanol, which is repeatedly mentioned on labels.

Phenoxyethanol is a compound that needs to be better understood, even though it has become an increasingly common ingredient due to its ability to sustain the shelf life and quality of products. But what is phenoxyethanol? This post will illuminate it and its role in our skincare routines.

What is phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is an ingredient in the glycol ether family found in many cosmetic and personal care products as a preservative. It has the chemical formula C8H10O2. Originally a natural compound in green tea, phenoxyethanol is now synthesised for widespread commercial use. Preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in products is crucial to ensure integrity and safety. This is where the ingredient becomes valuable.

It is a clear, oily liquid with a transparent appearance. The ingredient comes with a faint rose-like odour. It is valued for its efficacy and flexibility as a formula ingredient in skincare products and the cosmetic industry. The compound is also stable and performs well in multiple product forms, from creams and lotions to shampoos and makeup.

What does phenoxyethanol do in skincare products?

After understanding the meaning of phenoxyethanol, let's decode its role in skincare science. This versatile compound fulfils numerous essential roles in skincare formulations to maintain the safety and efficacy of products. The various roles that are played by it include the following:

1. Preservation

Phenoxyethanol prevents the growth of microorganisms and acts as a preservative so that there won't be dangerous bacteria or fungi in skin care products. This increases the shelf life of products and keeps them safe to use.

2. Stabilisation

It stabilises formulations over time, preserving the texture and quality of the product. The beauty of skincare products is that they contain a cocktail of ingredients that work harmoniously, but only when integrity and stability are ensured. The presence of phenoxyethanol in the products helps maintain the longevity of these formulations. It also ensures every application provides its intended benefits.

3. Improves efficacy of key actives

Phenoxyethanol helps enhance the power of specific active ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and more used in skincare formulations. Contaminated products no longer contain the benefits of active ingredients. In some cases, they even lead to a range of adverse reactions. A preservative like phenoxyethanol prevents such risks.

4. Improved feel

Phenoxyethanol contributes to the overall sensory experience of skincare products. It maintains the texture and fragrance of products for user satisfaction. Anyone who has ever used skin care products knows that a product will only work if you use it regularly and consistently, something made much easier when the formulation looks lovely to behold.

Phenoxyethanol benefits in skincare

The phenoxyethanol benefits extend beyond preservation. Let's find out about them:

1. Increased shelf life

Phenoxyethanol also prevents microbial growth and increases the shelf life of all skincare products. This makes them safer and brings cost benefits for consumers, as this often means the products can be kept effective for a longer time without needing to be repurchased frequently.

2. Alternative for harmful preservatives

It is a reasonably well-tolerated ingredient used in replacements for potentially problematic preservatives. By including it in their formulas, skincare companies can substitute the need for some potentially dangerous chemicals. Due to health worries related to parabens and their possible endocrine-disrupting abilities, phenoxyethanol has become a favourite choice for many companies.

3. Maintains the integrity of active ingredients

It helps keep the formulation of the product whole to guarantee users will get a taste of what is promised without jeopardising its benefits due to inactive or degraded components. This is especially crucial for products that contain unstable or vulnerable active ingredients like antioxidants and peptides, which can become ineffective quickly if they are not appropriately preserved.

4. Lower risk of infections

Due to its ability to deter bacteria, phenoxyethanol prevents skincare products from becoming breeding grounds for a variety of pathogens that might potentially infect the skin. It is particularly important for products applied to sensitive areas near the eyes or broken skin where infections can be pretty severe.

5. Compatible with other ingredients

Phenoxyethanol is compatible with the majority of other ingredients found in skincare products. This can make it a good option for formulators who may need better, more reliable preservation that does not negatively affect other components within the product.

Precautions while using phenoxyethanol

While phenoxyethanol may be fantastic in many regards, there are certain precautions you should take when using a product that contains it. Here are a few things to know and be mindful of:

1. Allergic reactions

Allergies are possible for some people, while millions of others have used products with phenoxyethanol without experiencing any problems. It may appear as a red, itchy or irritated area on your skin. Before using any new product, make sure to do a patch test. When using products with this ingredient, avoid contact with eyes. If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

2. Max usage limits

The safe concentration of phenoxyethanol in any product is up to 1%. High concentrations can be dangerous. Always check product labels to confirm that phenoxyethanol use is within acceptable margins.

3. Use among specific populations

Children or expectant mothers must not use any phenoxyethanol-laden product. They have sensitive skin. It is therefore necessary to choose suitable products for them.

4. Interaction with other ingredients

You need to consider the interaction of Phenoxyethanol with other ingredients in a formulation. Manufacturers must be careful about how materials react because combined chemicals can produce dangerous by-products. Consumers should also be careful not to use multiple products containing phenoxyethanol at the same time, as it then exposes them to more side effects.

Conclusion

Phenoxyethanol plays an essential role in protecting the integrity and safety of skincare products. Consumers feel safe using products containing this ingredient because they are assured that the product is safe from harmful microorganisms.

Now that you know about the impact of this ingredient in skincare products make sure you choose brands that know the art of preserving the goodness of their formulations with Phenoxyethanol.