Phenoxyethanol
Low RiskPhenoxyethanol is a preservative permitted in EU cosmetics up to 1.0%. The SCCS concluded it is safe for cosmetic use at that level, including when considering higher cosmetic exposure scenarios in infants and young children. Main practical concern is irritation/stinging on very sensitive or compromised skin rather than a pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific risk.
Sources: EU SCCS; EU Cosmetics Regulation (Annex V preservative limit), SCCS Opinion on Phenoxyethanol (SCCS/1575/16, 2016)





