2-Phenoxyethanol (also known as phenoxyethanol, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, phenyl cellosolve, or phenoxetol, CAS: 122-99-6) is a glycol ether compound belonging to the aromatic alcohol class, with the molecular formula C₈H₁₀O₂ and a molecular weight of 138.17 g/mol. It appears as a colorless, slightly viscous liquid with a mild rose‑like odor, featuring a melting point of 13°C, a boiling point of 244‑246°C, a density of 1.107 g/mL at 20°C, and water solubility of approximately 27 g/L at 20°C. It is freely soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform, miscible with acetone and glycerol, and has a log Kow of 1.16 — indicating low bioaccumulation potential.
As one of the most widely used antimicrobial preservatives in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications, 2-phenoxyethanol has established itself as the preferred alternative to more controversial preservatives such as parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents. Its excellent broad‑spectrum antimicrobial properties — effective against bacteria, yeasts, and molds — combined with exceptional stability across varying pH levels (validated efficacy from pH 3‑10), low toxicity profile, and regulatory acceptance in major global markets, have positioned it as the gold‑standard preservative for formulators worldwide. The compound is naturally present in green tea and can be used to reduce bacterial growth in cosmetics such as moisturisers, eye shadows, lipsticks, sunscreens, and other products.
Core Application Fields and Demand
Market demand for 2-phenoxyethanol is concentrated in four major sectors: personal care and cosmetics (≈40‑45% of global consumption), pharmaceuticals (≈20‑25%), industrial applications including paints, coatings, inks and dyes (≈15‑20%), and home care products (≈10‑15%). The specific grade — cosmetic grade, pharmaceutical grade or industrial grade — is selected based on purity and application requirements.
In the personal care and cosmetics sector, 2-phenoxyethanol is utilized extensively in skincare products (creams, lotions, serums), hair care formulations (shampoos, conditioners), color cosmetics (foundations, blushers, eye makeup), toiletries, fragrances, bath soaps, and sunscreens. Currently, phenoxyethanol is the most commonly consumed preservative in the global home and personal care industry. Formulators value 2-phenoxyethanol for its low potential for skin irritation, compatibility with various cosmetic ingredients, and its ability to maintain product integrity and extend shelf life without compromising sensory attributes. It is considered a milder preservative, less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, making it suitable for sensitive skin and hypoallergenic formulations. The preservative efficacy of 2-phenoxyethanol is often evaluated in combination with other antimicrobial agents to achieve a synergistic effect, allowing for lower concentrations of individual preservatives and reducing the potential for skin sensitization.
In the pharmaceutical sector, 2-phenoxyethanol is frequently utilized as an excipient in vaccines, topical medications, eye drops, ear drops, ointments, and creams due to its antibacterial properties. It is used in cosmetic products and topical pharmaceutical preparations in the concentration range of 0.5–1.0%. It acts by inhibiting the coupling between the electron transport and phosphorylation reactions in mitochondria and disrupting ATP synthesis. Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have approved its usage in specified concentrations, reinforcing its credibility in healthcare applications. It is also used as a solvent for cellulose acetate, inks and resins, as a fixative for perfumes, insect repellents and topical antiseptics, and in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients and dyes.
In the industrial sector, 2-phenoxyethanol enhances the efficiency of coatings, adhesives, and cleaning agents. It plays a critical role in industrial coatings, inks, and cleaning formulations, where its solvent properties enhance product effectiveness without compromising safety standards. The compound is also used as a surface active agent and as an anesthetic in the aquaculture of some fish.
Key Benefits for Formulators
- Broad‑Spectrum Antimicrobial Efficacy: Effective against bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
- Excellent pH Stability: Validated efficacy across a wide pH range (3‑10), making it compatible with formulations from acidic AHA peels to alkaline soaps.
- Global Regulatory Compliance: Permitted at a maximum 1.0% concentration in finished cosmetic products under EU Annex V (Entry 29), FDA, and China regulations.
- Safe for All Age Groups: The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has confirmed that phenoxyethanol is safe for all consumers — including children of all ages — when used as a preservative in cosmetic products at a maximum concentration of 1%.
- High Consumer Acceptance: 94% clean beauty retail acceptance vs. only 11% for parabens.
- Multifunctional: Functions not only as a preservative but also as a solvent and stabilizer.
Market Size & Growth Outlook
The global 2-phenoxyethanol market continues to grow steadily, driven by increasing consumer awareness of product safety, the shift toward paraben‑free formulations, and the expansion of personal care and pharmaceutical industries globally.
Multiple market research reports confirm strong growth trajectories:
- The global phenoxyethanol market size reached around USD 208.83 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.50% between 2025 and 2034 to reach nearly USD 324.31 million by 2034.
- The Global Phenoxyethanol Market was valued at USD 0.19 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 0.31 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.40%.
- The Phenoxyethanol market in the U.S. is estimated at US$62.9 million in 2025**. China is forecast to reach a projected market size of **US$61.1 million by 2032 trailing a CAGR of 6.2% over the analysis period 2025‑2032.
Major Market Participants
The global supply system for 2-phenoxyethanol follows a pattern of integrated chemical majors and specialized fine chemical manufacturers dominating large‑scale production, with regional formulators serving local markets. Key global players include BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Clariant International Ltd, Galaxy Surfactants Limited, Schülke & Mayr GmbH, and others. Many of these companies offer well‑known cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial grades that meet USP/NF, EP, FDA, and international quality standards.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has established a reliable supply chain for high‑purity 2-Phenoxyethanol (CAS 122-99-6). We offer cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial grades with consistent quality parameters, high purity (≥98‑99%), and low impurity profiles. All XinChem grades fully comply with USP/NF, EP, FDA 21 CFR, and relevant international standards.
Regional Market Dynamics
Global demand for 2-phenoxyethanol shows regional differentiation: “Asia‑Pacific dominates production and consumption (≈35‑40% of global share), North America and Europe lead in high‑purity pharmaceutical and specialty applications, and Latin America & Middle East/Africa are growth markets.”
Asia‑Pacific is the world‘s largest and fastest‑growing region for 2-phenoxyethanol, with an anticipated CAGR of 4.5% to 6.5%. Led by China, India, Japan and South Korea, the region‘s growth is driven by rising disposable incomes and changing lifestyles, the booming domestic personal care industry, expanding food processing sector, and growing industrial cleaning markets. China’s market growth is particularly noteworthy, forecast to reach a projected market size of US$61.1 million by 2032.
North America (United States and Canada) represents a significant market, with the U.S. market estimated at US$62.9 million in 2025. The region is driven by stringent regulatory standards that favor proven preservative systems and a mature personal care industry with high safety requirements. The United States market is expected to experience a CAGR of 3.0% to 4.5%.
Europe maintains a substantial market presence, with projected growth rates of 2.8% to 4.2% across key markets including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. The European market is characterized by strict regulatory oversight through the European Chemicals Agency and strong consumer preferences for safe, effective preservatives.
Latin America and Middle East/Africa are emerging growth markets, with increasing personal care consumption and pharmaceutical manufacturing investment. Price sensitivity is higher in these regions, and Asian suppliers dominate trade flows.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
2-Phenoxyethanol is subject to regulatory oversight in major economies, particularly when intended for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or food‑contact applications. The critical requirements center on purity specifications, safety assessments, and compliance with international standards.
In the EU, 2-phenoxyethanol is permitted in cosmetic and fragrance formulations subject to REACH regulations. Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 names phenoxyethanol in the list of preservatives allowed in cosmetic products (Annex V, entry 29). The maximum concentration in ready‑for‑use preparations is 1.0%. The compound has been evaluated by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), which confirmed its safety for all consumers at a maximum concentration of 1%. The compound is listed on the EINECS inventory (204‑589‑7).
In the US, 2-phenoxyethanol is regulated under TSCA and is approved by the FDA for use as a cosmetic preservative in concentrations of 1% or less — a regulation that is the norm worldwide, including in Japan. For pharmaceutical use, adherence to cGMP guidelines (21 CFR Parts 210/211) is required. The compound is also used as a solvent for cellulose acetate, inks and resins, as a fixative for perfumes, insect repellents and topical antiseptics.
In China, 2-phenoxyethanol is listed in the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (IECSC) and must comply with GB standards for product quality and safety. Manufacturers must obtain safety production licenses and demonstrate compliance with relevant purity specifications. Stringent limits on impurities apply across all grades.
Environmentally, 2-phenoxyethanol has a log KOW of 1.16, indicating low bioaccumulation potential. It is stable under recommended storage conditions but incompatible with oxidizing agents. The compound has a worldwide volume of use in the 100‑1000 metric tons per year range. Manufacturing processes generate solvent‑containing waste streams requiring proper treatment and disposal.
Future Outlook
The market outlook for 2-phenoxyethanol is tied to four core drivers: (1) sustained growth in global personal care and cosmetics consumption, driven by rising disposable incomes and premiumization in emerging economies; (2) expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing and generic drug production, particularly in vaccines and topical formulations; (3) increasing demand for safe, effective preservatives as alternatives to parabens and formaldehyde‑releasing agents; and (4) the shift toward clean beauty and natural formulations, where phenoxyethanol is considered a safer alternative to traditional preservatives.
The global phenoxyethanol market is projected to grow from USD 208.83 million in 2024 to nearly USD 324.31 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.50%. The Asia‑Pacific region presents the most dynamic growth opportunities, with an anticipated CAGR of 4.5% to 6.5%. Regulatory trends — including tightening quality standards and increasing focus on sustainable production methods — will push the market toward higher‑purity, fully documented grades, creating differentiation opportunities for specialty chemical suppliers.
Challenges include: raw material cost volatility impacting manufacturing economics, competition from alternative preservatives and antimicrobial agents perceived as safer and more sustainable, increasing regulatory scrutiny on the use of phenoxyethanol, and the need for continued investment in quality assurance and regulatory documentation. Enterprises should focus on securing multi‑grade certifications (USP/NF, EP, FDA, REACH), building long‑term relationships with cosmetic formulators, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and industrial formulators, and offering customized packaging and quality specifications.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)
As a world‑leading supplier of organic chemicals and specialty ingredients, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has always focused on the innovative needs of the cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulation industries. Relying on core advantages in sourcing, quality assurance, and global logistics, we provide high‑quality 2-Phenoxyethanol (Phenoxyethanol, CAS 122-99-6) to global customers. Our product is manufactured under strict quality management regimes, achieving consistent specifications across cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial grades. Fully compliant with USP/NF, EP, FDA, and international quality standards, it is an ideal preservative, solvent, and stabilizer for a wide range of applications.
1. Technical Advantages
High Purity & Consistency: Our 2-phenoxyethanol achieves purity levels of ≥98‑99% (verified by GC analysis), supplied as a clear, colorless to slightly yellowish, slightly viscous liquid.
Low Impurity Profile: Color (APHA ≤20), water content <0.1%, acid value <0.5 mg KOH/g, no detectable mechanical impurities. Refractive index: 1.5370 at 20°C.
Multiple Grades Available: We offer cosmetic grade, pharmaceutical grade (Ph. Eur., USP), and industrial grade to meet diverse application requirements.
Batch‑to‑Batch Uniformity: Constrained variation within 0.5% for key indices (GC purity, refractive index, density).
2. Product Advantages
Global Gold‑Standard Preservative: A broad‑spectrum antimicrobial preservative effective against bacteria, yeasts, and molds, compliant with EU Annex V, FDA, and SCCS safety standards.
Excellent Stability: Stable across a wide pH range (3‑10) and compatible with a broad range of cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients.
Safe for All Age Groups: SCCS‑approved for use in cosmetic products at up to 1.0%, safe for use in sensitive skin formulations.
Flexible Packaging: 1kg, 5kg, 25kg, and 200L (180‑200kg) galvanized steel drums; 1000L IBC totes; and custom packaging for R&D and industrial orders.
Reliable Supply Chain: Annual volume allocation in the metric ton range, with dedicated temperature‑controlled warehousing and just‑in‑time delivery capabilities.
3. Application Fields
Cosmetics & Personal Care: Preservative and solvent for skincare products, hair care formulations, color cosmetics, toiletries, baby wipes, sunscreens, and fragrances.
Pharmaceuticals: Excipient and preservative for vaccines, topical medications, eye drops, ear drops, ointments, and creams.
Industrial Applications: Solvent for cellulose acetate, inks, resins, paints, and coatings; fixative for perfumes, insect repellents and topical antiseptics; surface active agent and anesthetic in aquaculture.
Home Care: Preservative and solvent for household cleaning products.
4. Service Support
Our technical team provides preservative efficacy testing guidance, formulation recommendations, impurity profiling, and regulatory documentation (COA, TDS, SDS, USP/NF compliance, EP compliance, FDA statements, REACH compliance). We offer custom packaging and just‑in‑time delivery.
5. Why Choose XinChem
Professionalism: 20+ years in the chemical and specialty ingredient industry.
Flexibility: Tailored to customer purity, grade, packaging, and quality specifications.
Cost‑effectiveness: High quality at competitive prices.
Contact us now to start cooperation!
Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532
Post time: Jun-28-2026