CIR panel concluded phenoxyethanol is safe as used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%, the EU-permitted maximum

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated the safety of phenoxyethanol, one of the most commonly used preservatives in clean beauty products (replacing parabens and formaldehyde donors). The panel reviewed dermal absorption, reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity, and sensitization data and concluded phenoxyethanol is safe at concentrations up to 1%. The EU limits phenoxyethanol to 1% in cosmetics. Phenoxyethanol has become the default preservative system in clean beauty, though some ultra-clean brands also exclude it.

Personal Care Products Council