A widely used cosmetic preservative system combining phenoxyethanol (a broad-spectrum antimicrobial) with ethylhexylglycerin (a skin-conditioning agent that boosts preservative efficacy). It protects water-containing formulations from bacterial and fungal growth rather than providing a skincare treatment effect.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild transient irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on compromised/sensitive skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Both components are infrequent contact allergens; phenoxyethanol sensitization is documented but uncommon. |
Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated case reports involving phenoxyethanol. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.