Phenoxyethanol
2-Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is an aromatic alcohol used as a preservative. It helps prevent microbial growth in leave-on and rinse-off products. Two human studies are cited: one on sensory reactions in people who reported sensitivity, and one on how much of a controlled dose is absorbed through skin.
Inhibition of TRPV1 prevented skin irritancy induced by phenoxyethanol. A preliminary in vitro and in vivo study.
Split-face human study (243 screened; 60 responders) · 2017
The sensation study selected people who already reported sensitivity to phenoxyethanol, so the proportion does not describe all users.
Read referenceDermal penetration of 2-phenoxyethanol in humans: in vivo metabolism and toxicokinetics.
Human volunteer toxicokinetics (n=5), dermal exposure · 2025
The dose was applied under non-occlusive conditions to a defined skin area; absorption from a finished product may differ.
Read referenceIngredient studies do not establish finished-product efficacy.

















