Product name : Phenoxyethanol

Other names : Phenoxyethanol;Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether;Phenoxytolarosol;Dowanol EP / EPH;Emery 6705;Rose ether;1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane;β-hydroxyethyl phenyl ether;Phenyl cellosolve

CAS # : 122-99-6

Items                            Properties
Molecular formula      C8H10O2 / C6H5OCH2CH2OH
Molar mass                 138.16 g/mol
Appearance                 Colourless oily liquid
Density                         1.102 g/cm3
Melting point                11 - 13 °C
Boiling point                247 °C
Flash point                  113 °C (closed cup)
Solubility in water       2.5% at 20 C (completely soluble in ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerol)

Characteristics and Application :

Phenoxyethanol is an organic chemical compound, a glycol ether often used in dermatological products such as skin creams and sunscreen. It is a colorless oily liquid. It is a bactericide (usually used in conjunction with quaternary ammonium compounds), often used in place of sodium azide in biological buffers as 2-phenoxyethanol is less toxic and non-reactive with copper and lead. It is also used as a fixative for perfumes, an insect repellent, a topical antiseptic, a solvent for cellulose acetate, some dyes, inks, and resins, in preservatives, pharmaceuticals, and in organic synthesis. It is moderately soluble in water. It is used as an anesthetic in the aquaculture of some fish.

Phenoxyethanol is a common cosmetic preservative that is considered o­ne of the less irritating o­nes to use in formulations. It does not release formaldehyde. It is a weak biocide, most active against Gram-negative bacteria. It is always used in combination with other preservatives. In surfactant solution systems, the water must be saturated with phenoxyethanol for activity. If the level is too low, it acts as a nutrient for bacteria. It is inactivated by highly ethoxylated compounds. It is stable up to 85C and useful from pH 3-10. It is a free-flowing liquid that can be added easily to most formulations. It is an excellent solvent for parabens and other preservatives. It is typically used at 0.1%.

Uses :

Phenoxyethanol has reported used in the following product types: facial moisturizer/treatment; moisturizer; anti-aging; sunscreen spf 15 and above; mascara; facial cleanser; foundation; other products with spf; body wash/cleanser; exfoliant/scrub.