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 245.2°C, a density of 1.11 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.
Core Application Fields & Market Demand
1. Cosmetics & Personal Care (≈36%+ of global consumption). The personal care segment represents the largest application for 2-phenoxyethanol, utilized extensively in skincare products (creams, lotions, serums), hair care formulations (shampoos, conditioners), color cosmetics (foundations, blushers, eye makeup), toiletries, fragrances, bath soaps, baby wipes, and sunscreens. Currently, phenoxyethanol is the most commonly consumed preservative in the global home and personal care industry. Cosmetic-grade phenoxyethanol is expected to hold 48.9% of the application segment, reflecting its established position as the preservative of choice.
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, baby care, and hypoallergenic formulations.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry. In pharmaceuticals, 2-phenoxyethanol is frequently utilized as an excipient in vaccines, topical medications, eye drops, ear drops, ointments, and creams due to its antibacterial properties. 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 preservative in certain pharmaceutical preparations and as a solvent for various active ingredients.
3. Industrial Applications. 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 textile and paint industries also incorporate 2-phenoxyethanol to improve product durability and performance.
4. Food Processing. 2-phenoxyethanol is also used in food processing applications as a preservative and stabilizer, helping to maintain product integrity and extend shelf life.
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) of the European Commission has concluded that the use of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics within the specified concentration range is safe for all age groups, from babies to adults.
- 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 Phenoxyethanol Market was valued at USD 218.33 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 304.09 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.84%.
- The global market for phenoxyethanol was valued at US$230.8 Million in 2024** and is projected to reach **US$313.4 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%.
- The global phenoxyethanol market size is estimated to reach approximately USD 223 Mn in 2026 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9%, totaling USD 334 Mn by 2033.
- The 2-Phenoxyethanol market size was valued at USD 300 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 450 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.0%.
Regional Market Dynamics
Asia-Pacific presents the most dynamic growth opportunities, with an anticipated CAGR of 4.5% to 6.5%, led by rapid industrialization and expanding consumer markets in China, India, Japan, and South Korea. China’s market growth is particularly noteworthy, driven by the booming domestic personal care industry, expanding food processing sector, and growing industrial cleaning markets. Asia Pacific is expected to lead the global phenoxyethanol market, accounting for a share of more than 36%.
North America represents a significant market, 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%. North America, with an estimated share of 27%, is poised to emerge as a highly lucrative market.
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.
Regulatory & Safety Profile
2-Phenoxyethanol is globally permitted at a maximum concentration of 1.0% in finished cosmetic products under EU Annex V (Entry 29), FDA, and China regulations. 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%.
In the European Union, phenoxyethanol is listed in Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009/EU). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves phenoxyethanol for use as a cosmetic preservative in concentrations of 1% or less — a regulation that is the norm worldwide, including in Japan.
Key Regulatory Specifications:
- CAS Number: 122-99-6
- EINECS: 204-589-7
- Maximum concentration: 1.0% in finished cosmetic products
- SCCS safety status: Safe for all age groups
- FDA status: Approved for cosmetic use at ≤1%
Storage & Handling
2-Phenoxyethanol should be stored at room temperature (recommended in a cool and dark place, below 15°C) in tightly sealed containers, protected from light and moisture. The product is stable under recommended storage conditions and has excellent shelf life when properly handled.
Market Trends
- Shift Toward Paraben-Free Formulations: The growing consumer demand for safer and more natural ingredients in personal care products is driving the adoption of phenoxyethanol as a preferred alternative to traditional preservatives such as parabens.
- Rise of Bio-Based Phenoxyethanol: Bio-based phenoxyethanol, derived from renewable resources, offers the same antimicrobial efficacy and stability as its synthetic counterpart but is considered more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
- High-Purity Grades: Advanced chemical synthesis techniques ensure minimal impurities, improving the safety profile and reducing the risk of skin sensitization.
- Multifunctional Blends: Innovation in preservation systems is prompting formulators to combine phenoxyethanol with complementary humectants and biocides to achieve target preservative efficacy while minimizing sensory impact.
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 customers worldwide.
1. Technical Advantages
- High Purity & Consistency: Our 2-phenoxyethanol achieves purity levels of ≥99% (verified by GC analysis), supplied as a clear, colorless to slightly yellowish, slightly viscous liquid.
- Multiple Grades Available: We offer cosmetic grade, pharmaceutical grade (Ph. Eur., USP), and industrial grade to meet diverse application requirements.
- Low Impurity Profile: Strict quality control ensures compliance with the most demanding international standards.
- Batch-to-Batch Uniformity: Rigorous analytical testing guarantees consistent quality and reproducible performance across all production lots.
- Full Documentation: We provide a complete package of regulatory and technical documentation, including Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in both English and Russian.
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 baby care and sensitive skin formulations.
- Flexible Packaging Options: Available in all sizes, from R&D quantities (100 ml, 500 ml, 1 L) to industrial bulk orders (5 L, 25 L, 200 L drums, and IBC totes), with custom packaging available upon request.
- Reliable Supply Chain: Direct supply from a reputable manufacturer, backed by a robust logistics network. XinChem has extensive experience exporting to the Russian Federation and EAEU countries, providing a complete set of documents to ensure smooth customs clearance.
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 and stabilizer for coatings, adhesives, cleaning formulations, inks, and textile processing.
- Food Processing: Preservative and stabilizer for food applications.
4. Service Support
Our technical team provides full regulatory support and documentation: COA, TDS, MSDS (available in both English and Russian). We offer assistance with the preparation of documentation for the registration of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial products in the Russian Federation and EAEU markets.
5. Why Choose XinChem
- Professionalism: 20+ years in the chemical and specialty ingredient industry.
- Flexibility: Tailored solutions for purity, grade, packaging, and logistics.
- Cost-effectiveness: High quality at competitive prices from a reliable direct supplier.
Contact us now to start cooperation!
Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532
Post time: Jun-21-2026