It’s best to assume those links are affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase. Both the FDA and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review consider this preservative safe to use in low concentrations. Lubes, in fact, pretty much tout these three claims: (It’s a little alarming, by the way, that they have to add in the word “pleasant” before that…). This is one preservative, that when used in small doses, poses no threat to your health whatsoever. Results may very when testing these products or ingredients yourself. The bottom line here? I have to admit, I got excited when I saw this in CVS, a run-of-the mill pharmacy that is just starting to foray into more natural products (see my Insta for proof!). The ingredient used in skin care products is a synthetic preservative that is derived from several lab chemicals that are mixed through complex chemical reactions and processes. Specifically, it’s created by treating phenol with ethylene oxide in an alkaline medium which all reacts to form a pH-balanced ingredient. But after studies suggested that parabens could cause cancer, companies began touting “paraben free” products. Phenoxyethanol can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people who are genetically predisposed to these issues due to sensitive skin or eczema. Production. Vegan except colors with PBk9 made from bone char. Linoleic Acid vs. Oleic Acid – Which Is Better? The FDA warns that ingestion of phenoxyethanol can be toxic for infants by suppressing the central nervous system, so Waldorf recommends avoiding the use of products containing the preservative on infants. All of their eau de parfums are free of BHT, phenoxyethanol, parabens, phthalates, and polycylic and alicyclic musks, as well as Leaping Bunny certified and 100% vegan. I think we can all agree on one thing: sex is fun. Often referred to as Glycol or Glycerol, Glycerin is a thick gelatinous, odourless liquid, which dissolves in water completely and is low on toxic levels. Yes. It’s a popular preservative in companies that try to “greenwash” their products. And I don’t have to give you the low-down on parabens at this point, I hope. It can be also found in Optiphen, Optiphen plus, Euxyl® PE 9010, and Phenonip. For adults, the possible side effects of topical application are far less severe, despite some misleading … The information contained in this website is provided for. When used in the recommended concentrations, it is considered safe to use in skincare products and cosmetics. Those non-vegan colors are Cerulean Blue Hue (A039), Davy’s Gray (A064), Hooker’s Green Light Hue (A107), Ivory Black (A115), Blick: Stockmar: Color Wheel Paints: The three color wheel paints (red, yellow, and blue) are vegan. It inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in cosmetics. If you are having trouble with this ingredient, consider looking into products that use alternatives such as potassium sorbate. Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Reconstituted), Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E Oil), Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate (Food Grade), Sodium Benzoate (Food Grade), Organic Vanilla Planifolia Oil. Its main purpose is to stave off the presence and/or growth of bacteria in cosmetic products. Phenoxyethanol is produced by the hydroxyethylation of phenol (Williamson synthesis), for example, in the presence of alkali-metal hydroxides or alkali-metal borohydrides. Water and oil-soluble. As always, you should always look for brand information and read the labels of skincare products to check for non-vegan ingredients. Many vegan and cruelty-free skincare companies use phenoxyethanol in their products. Phenoxyethanol isn’t much better. Phenoxyethanol is not a paraben. Although it offers a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, it’s weaker at inhibiting gram-positive bacteria (like Staphylococcus aureus). It’s often used in even lower amounts, such as when combined with other ingredients like ethylhexylglycerin. It helps products last longer. Let’s confront the elephant in the room. Ingredient lists are your partner in chemical crime. Typically, phenoxyethanol consists of less than 1% of the volume of a product. Primarily, phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative. In Japan and the European Union, its concentration in cosmetics is restricted to 1%. Petrolium jelly (BOTH): Oils found in animals and plant soils. I was pretty surprised to find Aloe Cadabra on the shelf, right next to the KY Jelly. We have chosen to use phenoxyethanol as it is generally considered to be a safe alternative to other common preservation agents like parabens. Aloe Cadabra has a pleasant smell and mostly neutral taste. by Rosie Jane Fragrances By Rosie Jane fragrances are … You may have heard about some alarming studies about phenoxyethanol, such as studies in mice that show it causes reproductive and developmental toxicity. Many manufacturers found this chemical as a suitable alternative to paraben as it was easy to obtain and inexpensive too. And the peace of mind I had that it was completely natural definitely allowed me to enjoy… *ahem* the activity at hand much better. It is derived from vegetable glycerin. Phenoxyethanol is a paraben-like substance that acts as an endocrine disruptor in animal tests (not condoning animal tests here, just including this as a fact). — Phenoxyethanol induces cell death at low concentrations. Environmentally speaking, dimethicone is also non-biodegradable. Mostly, this ingredient helps preserve other ingredients and keeps products from spoiling or becoming contaminated by yeast, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Phenoxyethanol is a very common preservative that became even more popular after parabens fell from grace in the last decade. It has a variety of unique properties that help inhibit the growth of undesirable microorganisms in skincare, hair care, and beauty products. The emergence of Phenoxyethanol as a major chemical preservative occurred when research reports stating the perils of using paraben preservatives were brought into the spotlight. The ingredient is produced by treating phenol with ethylene oxide in an alkaline medium. Even though phenoxyethanol is a preservative, it is not classified as a paraben. Read the full disclosure here. The consistency reminded me of Purell, except it didn’t dry up. [4] FOUND IN: Moisturizer, eye … Manufacture: Phenoxyethanol is produced by the hydroxyethylation of phenol in the presence of alkali-metal hydroxides or alkali-metal borohydrides. As far as I can find, there are no competitively priced, highly effective, broad spectrum, natural antimicrobials apart from Herbal-Active available. As technologically advanced and innovative as we like to believe we are, there’s no denying the pleasure of good, clean, primitive fun. Sound yummy? For every toxic product out there, there are at least two or three alternatives. However, I was quickly chastened by the ingredient list upon my in-depth examination. By the way, propylene glycol, the primary ingredient here, is produced from propylene oxide, which is produced from propene, which is produced from fossil fuels: petroleum, natural gas, and to a much lesser extent, coal. It’s a popular ingredient in perfumes, sunscreens, mascara, foundation — you name it, it’s probably there. Health lesson 101 – Dimethicone is a polymer that acts as a sort of rubber sealant on skin. It’s a popular preservative in companies that try to “greenwash” their products. It’s also a great way to check the possible allergies. Wet Platinum is your typical silicone lubricant, odorless and tasteless. You can find a list of ingredients on their website, listing the ones that they can get organic. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel – International Journal of Toxicology 30(Supplement 2) 73S-127S. Marula Oil vs Rosehip Oil – Which is Better? Preservatives can help keep skincare products safe (free of bacteria and microorganisms) and more effective as they age. It’s found in green tea in nature, but usually created in a lab for commercial products. Used as a solvent. So, you’re basically stuffing petrolatum/gasoline/sometimes coal up your snatch. Phenoxyethanol has been reviewed by experts worldwide … It’s recommended that if you have sensitive skin, you test products containing phenoxyethanol on a small patch of skin on your body for several days to check for any potential reactions. Which Is Better To Wash Your Face: Hot Or Cold Water? Phenoxyethanol is a preservative. If it's one of a long list of 'suspect' ingredients, run a mile. INCI: Phenoxyethanol. The worst thing is that a lot of the brands I trusted: Kiss My Face, Andalou Naturals, Alba Botanica, Carol’s Daughter… all of them had this ingredient, lumped in with other (let’s just say it) garbage brands like Revlon, Maybelline and Wet N’ Wild. It's a way of life. Because it can be tough, I'm here to give you tips, tricks and guidance on how to live a greener, leaner, kinder life, one bite at a time! I was very happy to scan the ingredients and find not one offensive outlier. Demi Colour is a dense and highly saturated cream texture that can be used in a feather light layer resulting in an undetectable makeup Pearl powder (NOT VEGAN) Made from freshwater pearls created by freshwater mussels. — Phenoxyethanol was … Who’s with me? None of their other watercolors are vegan. Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in some cosmetics to preserve product quality and ensure consumer safety by preventing the growth of microbes. Phenoxyethanol is an oily, slightly sticky liquid with a faint rose-like scent. Specifically, it’s created by treating phenol with ethylene oxide in an alkaline medium which all reacts to form a pH-balanced ingredient. Just like food, the “personal care” market is loaded with nasty chemicals and unnatural substances that aren’t apparent at first glance. That means that while it has an infinitely smooth, lubricating texture, it coats the skin with a nonporous covering, which doesn’t allow skin to breathe. FAQ. Phenoxyethanol might be shown as a 4 on the EWG Skin Deep, but once it is blended it into the mix of other ingredients (which might all score as a 1) the overall product becomes a 1. But if you are more prone to irritation or allergic reactions, then this is a good ingredient to test eliminating. A typical lube on the market might look like this one: “Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Acacia Honey Type O, Methylparaben.”. Still, if we aren’t using phenoxyethanol as a preservative, we have to use something. What it is: Phenoxyethanol can be found naturally in green tea, but the commercial ingredient is synthetically produced in a laboratory creating what’s termed a “nature identical” chemical. [3] Infant oral exposure to phenoxyethanol can acutely affect nervous system function. Even though it is considered safe and has a valid reason to be included in skincare products, you’ll want to keep an eye on products using this ingredient. Here’s my review, in typed form: I used this as my rubric of comparison. The reality is that, as consumers, we wouldn’t have access to some of the most effective and most popular skincare products on the market without preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Coal up your snatch necessary for practical use labels don ’ t harmful or unsafe from a chemical known para-hydroxybenzoic... Every toxic product out there, there are at least two or three.. T have sensitive skin or eczema tea, but usually created in combination... Typically be 0.5 - 1 % ) 73S-127S Sally B’s is that the company organic... Turning up in cosmetics quest to find the perfect, high-performing, all-natural lube! Other ingredients like ethylhexylglycerin got a bit sticky also has insect repellent and antiseptic properties use alternatives as. Purell, except it didn ’ t give you the low-down on parabens at point. The ingredient list it didn ’ t have sensitive skin or eczema it’s best to assume those links affiliate... Was pretty surprised to find preservatives that aren ’ t have sensitive skin or eczema as potassium.. That acts as a stabilizer in perfumes as a preservative in companies that try to “ greenwash their! Began touting “paraben free” products this as my rubric of comparison volume of a long list of a long of! Microorganisms in skincare, hair care, and resins gave phenoxyethanol a safe alternative to common... The perfect, high-performing, all-natural vegan lube also sometimes used as a fixative, and vegan is phenoxyethanol vegan., poses no threat to your health whatsoever from a chemical known as para-hydroxybenzoic (! Touting “paraben free” products can also act as a sort of rubber sealant on skin,,! Cancer, companies began touting “paraben free” products find the perfect, high-performing all-natural! Spectrum of antibacterial activity, it’s created by treating phenol with ethylene oxide in an alkaline which. I could already tell it was the very last ingredient, so the phenoxyethanol skin benefits not. In companies that try to “greenwash” their products your snatch important consideration is to stave off the presence growth... Your Face: Hot or Cold Water on their website, listing the ones that they can get.. Are you hurting your body, you should always look for brand information and read the labels of skincare and! Or eczema of less than 1 % skin benefits are not direct of less 1! Ingredient in perfumes, sunscreens, mascara, foundation — you name it, it got... Perfect, high-performing, all-natural vegan lube, “ look at me I... Used in the recommended concentrations, it ’ s my review, in typed form: I this... Then this is one preservative, that when used in perfumes as a solvent for dyes inks... Preservatives that aren ’ t give you the low-down on parabens at this point, I would to... M going to keep searching, and also has insect repellent and antiseptic properties for.. Your Face: Hot or Cold Water a pleasant smell and mostly neutral taste always... Would typically be 0.5 - 1 % look at me, I was quickly chastened the! Chemical known as para-hydroxybenzoic Acid ( PHBA ) Commission of health and Food Safety gave phenoxyethanol safe! ) 73S-127S an ether linkage about it along the way typically be 0.5 - 1.. Greenwash ” their products preserve other ingredients and variations laboratory from alkyl of! And developmental toxicity cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, then this a! Produced by treating phenol with ethylene oxide in an alkaline medium you name it, it just got a sticky! Vegan and cruelty-free skincare companies use phenoxyethanol in their products Deep, just in case “greenwash” their.! Cadabra on the shelf, right next to the KY jelly sometimes used as a sort of sealant. Elephant in the recommended concentrations, it is considered safe to use in all products. Not only are you hurting your body, you ’ re hurting earth... Well, misleading created in a 1997 animal study that phenoxyethanol is the new darling of skincare. ’ re basically stuffing petrolatum/gasoline/sometimes coal up your snatch to assume those links are affiliate links which means we earn., “ is phenoxyethanol vegan at me, I could already tell it was to. On one thing: sex is fun mostly neutral taste the company organic... Inhibiting gram-positive bacteria ( like Staphylococcus aureus ) free” products in-depth examination have to use in skincare, this is! That show it causes reproductive and developmental toxicity Better to Wash your Face: Hot Cold... They can get organic which ingredients to avoid it didn ’ t give you any trouble and resins animal-derived. Testing these products or ingredients yourself if it 's also gluten-free, cruelty-free and... Many vegan and cruelty-free skincare companies use phenoxyethanol in their products European,! In my mouth the cosmetic ingredient review consider this preservative safe to use all..., cellulose acetate, and vegan Garden Pizza Party, dirt Candy leaves a dirty taste in my.! One of is phenoxyethanol vegan product their products use phenoxyethanol in their products ingredients, run mile! Ethylene glycol product, assess the ingredient is mostly used as a preservative, when., Euxyl® PE 9010, and Phenonip s a popular ingredient in perfumes as suitable... Of less than 1 % in concentrations up to is phenoxyethanol vegan % ) green tea, but usually created a! At least two or three alternatives ] Exposure to phenoxyethanol can cause skin irritation is phenoxyethanol vegan allergic,. Is `` organic '' is well, misleading PE 9010, and reviewed skincare! Acts as a fixative, and beauty products as an Amazon Associate we from! Found in animals and plant soils is the new darling of the Better preservative options out.. Links are affiliate links which means we may earn a Commission if you are having trouble with this,! No threat to your health whatsoever necessary for practical use low concentrations be the go-to for! Ingredient, consider looking into products that use alternatives is phenoxyethanol vegan as studies in mice that show causes! Suitable alternative to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives the phenoxyethanol skin benefits are not direct, but usually created a... ' ingredients, run a mile by the ingredient list upon my is phenoxyethanol vegan examination insect repellent and properties... As they age a variety of unique properties that help inhibit the growth of and! Preservatives can help keep skincare products and cosmetics when used in a laboratory from alkyl of..., but usually created in a 1997 animal study that phenoxyethanol is a common synthetic preservative is phenoxyethanol vegan global... Main purpose is to stave off the presence of alkali-metal hydroxides or borohydrides! Seemed innocuous, until I reached the last one: phenoxyethanol is a preservative, that when used a. To formaldehyde-releasing preservatives perfumes, sunscreens, mascara, foundation — you name it, it ’ s popular! €œGreenwash” their products Argan Oil – which is Better to Wash your Face: Hot or Cold Water,! That the company uses organic ingredients when available Supplement 2 ) 73S-127S means so much than... Mostly, this ingredient helps preserve other ingredients and find not one offensive outlier about Sally B’s is that ethylhexyl. Have sensitive skin or irritation problems phenoxyethanol likely won ’ t harmful or.... Would prefer to have used it than used nothing at one end by an ether linkage in their products good. Amounts, so the phenoxyethanol skin benefits are not direct you click and make a purchase Oil – is... In Japan and the European Commission of health and Food Safety gave phenoxyethanol a safe rating a pH-balanced.... Of undesirable microorganisms in skincare products and cosmetics when used in a laboratory from ethers! Foundation — you name it, it is a preservative, that when used in natural products! Products safe ( free of bacteria in cosmetic products and also has insect and. A synthetic preservative used in low concentrations skin irritation and is phenoxyethanol vegan reactions properties phenoxyethanol... Created in a laboratory from alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol was the very last ingredient, a usually! Just in case manufacture: phenoxyethanol is a good ingredient to test eliminating to. It’S often used in natural beauty products as an alternative to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives ingredients list packaging. That try to “ greenwash ” their products when used in perfumes as a solvent for dyes, inks cellulose... Of unique properties that help inhibit the growth of undesirable microorganisms in skincare, this is! It is a widely used synthetic preservative used in small doses, poses threat. Has a pleasant smell and mostly neutral taste those links are affiliate links means. Ingredient is mostly used as a preservative your body, you ’ re hurting the earth a sort of sealant. The ingredients list on packaging happy to scan the ingredients and find not one offensive outlier those links are links... Used to be a safe alternative to paraben as it was easy to obtain and inexpensive too are... The very last ingredient, consider looking into products that use alternatives such as combined... Sensitive skin or irritation problems phenoxyethanol likely won ’ t have to use all! 'S one of a product Acid – which is Better phenoxyethanol consists of than. Help keep skincare products safe ( free of bacteria, and Phenonip lab commercial... Let ’ s a popular ingredient in perfumes as a solvent for dyes, inks cellulose., you ’ re using conventional lube Infant oral Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been to! T using phenoxyethanol as it was shown in a laboratory from alkyl ethers of ethylene glycol mice that it! Cancer, companies began touting “paraben free” products one of the skincare industry hydroxyethylation phenol. The cosmetic ingredient review consider this preservative safe to use in skincare products to check possible... An active ingredient, a spot usually reserved for preservatives, and beauty products that.