Phenoxyethanol is safe at concentrations up to 1% in cosmetics for all ages, including children. Animal studies only showed problems at doses 200 times higher than what you'd actually get from using products. It rarely causes allergic reactions and is considered one of the gentler preservatives in beauty products.

The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety reviewed phenoxyethanol's safety profile, examining antimicrobial effectiveness, toxicology data from animal studies, and real-world sensitization rates in cosmetic use.

Funding not disclosed in abstract