In our reference data, Phenylethyl Alcohol is a drying alcohol.
Phenylethyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol used in skincare as a preservative and fragrance component, valued for its mild antimicrobial activity and rose-like scent. It is typically present at low concentrations as a formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient redness or stinging, more likely at higher concentrations or on compromised skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization has been reported; positive patch test reactions are infrequent. |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can cause stinging or discomfort if products migrate into the eyes. |
Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of immediate hive-like reactions. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.