Phenoxyethanol
Also known as: phenoxytol, EGPhE
Phenoxyethanol is approved by FDA only as an indirect food additive (e.g., in food-contact polymers) and as a cosmetic preservative at <=1%. It is not a direct food preservative in the U.S.
What it is
Glycol ether (2-phenoxyethanol) used primarily as a preservative in cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals.
Antimicrobial preservative; FDA permits indirect-food-additive use (e.g., in food-contact materials), not as a direct food preservative in the U.S.
Why it's flagged
- not approved for direct food use
- FDA infant exposure warning (2008)
- potential skin/respiratory irritation
What regulators actually say
"FDA warned consumers not to use a specific nipple cream marketed by Mommy's Bliss... two ingredients in the cream, chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol, can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants."
"Safety review of phenoxyethanol when used as a preservative in cosmetics"
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as indirect food additive (food-contact materials); approved cosmetic preservative <=1%; not a direct food preservative.
European Union — EFSA
Not authorized as a food additive in the EU; permitted in cosmetics under Regulation 1223/2009 at <=1%.
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