Ingredient label reference
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative ingredient
Preservatives and product-protection systems
A preservative used to help limit microbial growth in the formula as part of its product-protection system.
- Also seen as
- 2-phenoxyethanol · Phenoxyethyl alcohol · Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether · Phenoxyethanolum
- Reported functions
- Antimicrobial · Preservative
- Example formats
- Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Why it may be in a product
It can contribute to the wider preservation strategy needed for a formula during manufacture, storage and intended use.
What the name tells you
It identifies phenoxyethanol and its recognised antimicrobial and preservative functions for protecting the formula.
What the label cannot tell you
It cannot establish concentration, combination with other preservatives, manufacturing hygiene, challenge-test result or overall preservation adequacy.
Evidence status
Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.
Reference entries
Evidence and boundaries
Terminology sources, shown plainly.
The glossary uses official European sources to check ingredient terminology and to keep medical, biocidal and finished-product claims outside the glossary. Cosmetic references concern human products; their use here is limited to names and reported formulation functions.
Reference review: 2026-08-25.
Read the Journal editorial method →Source 1
European Commission — CosIng databaseA non-binding reference for cosmetic ingredient names and reported functions. It concerns human cosmetics and is used here only as a terminology source, not as canine safety approval.
Source 2
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1175The current EU glossary of common ingredient names for cosmetic product labelling, applicable from 30 July 2026.
Source 3
Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal productsRegulatory context for why claims about treating or preventing disease are outside this formulation glossary.
Source 4
Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 on biocidal productsRegulatory context for why disinfection and pest-control claims are outside this formulation glossary.