B

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol

preservative EU restricted

The most common preservative in modern skincare, replacing parabens. Safe at the EU limit of 1%. Used by nearly every brand from CeraVe to La Roche-Posay.

Benefits

Effective preservation, well-studied safety profile, widely accepted

Risks & concerns

Safe at EU limit (1%). Very rare sensitization. Safe alternative to parabens.

Best for

Dry skin Oily skin Combination skin Sensitive skin Normal skin

Found in (32)

A

SkinCeuticals

C E Ferulic

93/100
A

The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

91/100
A

La Roche-Posay

Cicaplast Baume B5+

90/100
A

CeraVe

Moisturizing Cream

88/100
A

The Ordinary

Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

88/100
A

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF50+

87/100
A

Drunk Elephant

Protini Polypeptide Cream

86/100
A

SVR

Sebiaclear Serum

86/100
A

The Ordinary

Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

86/100
A

Paula's Choice

Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

86/100
A

CeraVe

Foaming Facial Cleanser

85/100
A

The Ordinary

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

85/100
A

P20

Suncare for Kids SPF50+

85/100
A

Eucerin

UreaRepair Plus 5% Urea Body Cream

84/100
A

La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Sensitive Cream

84/100
A

Colorescience

Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF50

83/100
A

Beauty of Joseon

Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+

82/100
B

CeraVe

Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF30

80/100
B

The Ordinary

Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

79/100
B

Garnier

Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-Dark Spots & Anti-Pollution Fluid SPF50+

79/100
B

Australian Gold

Botanical Tinted Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF50

79/100
B

La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Duo+ SPF 30

78/100
B

Eucerin

Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+

78/100
B

Vichy

Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

77/100
B

The Ordinary

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

76/100
B

Canmake

Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF50+ PA++++

74/100
B

Black Girl Sunscreen

Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF30

74/100
B

Skin Aqua

UV Super Moisture Milk SPF50+ PA++++

73/100
B

Neutrogena

Hydro Boost Water Gel

72/100
B

Kiehl's

Ultra Facial Cream

71/100
C

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF60 (US)

70/100
C

Olay

Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

65/100

Technical details

INCI name
Phenoxyethanol
CAS Number
122-99-6
Category
preservative
Comedogenic rating
0/5