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Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin
ORY® product lines:
☑ Skincare
☑ Haircare
◐ Handmade Soap (liquid, cream, and syndet products; not needed in cold-process bars)
☑ Cosmetics — three-line functional ingredient; ORY®’s broad-pH workhorse preservative
Phenoxyethanol (and) ethylhexylglycerin is the most widely used paraben-free preservative system in modern cosmetics: phenoxyethanol supplies broad-spectrum antibacterial protection (strongest against Pseudomonas), and ethylhexylglycerin — a glycerin-derived skin-conditioning booster — lowers microbial surface tension and closes the yeast-and-mold gap, so the pair protects fully at 0.5–1.0% across pH 3–10 in nearly every product type. Its safety record is deep: the CIR concluded phenoxyethanol is safe as used [1]; the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety confirmed it is safe for all consumers, including children, at up to 1% [2]; a 2019 dermatological review found contact allergy rare [3]; and ethylhexylglycerin is CIR-reviewed as safe [4], with an emerging but low-frequency contact allergy to note [5]. Where Geogard ECT is ORY®‘s natural-standard choice, this blend is the broad-pH workhorse — the one that also protects alkaline-tolerant cleansers, cationic conditioners, and active-rich serums. Every water-containing product needs a preservative: unpreserved creams, gels, and shampoos grow bacteria, yeast, and mold within days, and contaminated cosmetics have caused documented skin and eye infections. Anhydrous products (oils, balms, butters, cold-process soap) do not need one.
What is Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin made of?
The blend is a clear liquid of two components. Composition and roles [1–5]:
- Phenoxyethanol (~90%): Aromatic glycol ether; broad antibacterial; pH 3–10; heat-stable; EU maximum 1% [2].
- Ethylhexylglycerin (~10%): Glycerin-derived skin conditioner and preservative booster; disrupts microbial membranes; also a deodorant active [4].
- Synergy: The booster allows ~0.5% phenoxyethanol to perform like 1% alone, with better yeast/mold coverage.
- Typical use 0.5–1.0% (delivering 0.45–0.9% phenoxyethanol); pH 3–10; add to the water phase or at cool-down.
- Paraben-, formaldehyde-, and halogen-free; globally accepted; not COSMOS-approved (phenoxyethanol is not a natural-standard preservative).
What skin type is best suited for Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin?
The blend is a formulation-level ingredient suitable for all seven ORY® skin types:
- All skin types: Phenoxyethanol/ethylhexylglycerin is a formulation-level preservative system rather than a skin-type active; at its use level it is suitable for every ORY® skin type.
- Sensitive: Contact allergy to phenoxyethanol is rare [3]; ethylhexylglycerin is a low-frequency sensitizer [5] — patch test dermatitis-prone customers; Geogard ECT is the alternative for those who prefer certified-natural systems.
- Acne-prone: Prevents microbial growth that can worsen breakouts; non-comedogenic.
- Dry: Protects water-rich hydrating products.
- Oily and Combination: Protects gels, toners, and light lotions.
- Mature: Protects active-rich serums and creams over their shelf life.
- Normal: Everyday product protection.
What hair type is best suited for Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin?
The blend protects every water-based ORY® haircare product, including cationic conditioners:
- All hair and scalp types: Phenoxyethanol/ethylhexylglycerin protects water-based shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, and scalp serums; no direct effect on hair.
- Sensitive scalp: Low-irritation preservation at use levels; patch test if preservative-sensitive.
- Curly and coily: Essential in water-rich curl creams and leave-ins that stay on the hair.
- Dandruff-prone scalp: Prevents contamination of scalp treatments applied to compromised skin.
- Oily scalp, dry or damaged, color-treated, mature or thinning, straight, wavy: Neutral; formulation-level protection for all.
What are the benefits of Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin?
The blend’s benefits are functional and thoroughly reviewed [1–6]:
- Full-spectrum preservation: Bacteria, yeast, and mold at 0.5–1.0%.
- Broad pH 3–10: Works in acids, neutral creams, and alkaline-tolerant cleansers alike.
- Low sensitization: Rare phenoxyethanol allergy [3]; low-frequency EHG allergy [5].
- Lower preservative load: Booster reduces phenoxyethanol needed.
- Broad compatibility: Non-ionic; anionic, cationic, and active-rich systems.
- Skin-conditioning and deodorant bonus: Ethylhexylglycerin softens feel and inhibits odor bacteria [4].
- Regulatory clarity: SCCS-confirmed safe at 1% for all ages [2].
- Stable: Heat- and light-stable.
Dual use across ORY® product lines
The blend protects water-containing products in three ORY® lines across pH 3–10; cold-process bars need no preservative.
| ORY® line | Dual use? | How it is used | Typical level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ORY® Skincare |
Yes |
Serums (including acidic vitamin C and AHA products), toners, creams, gels, cleansers, masks, mists. |
0.5–1.0% |
|
ORY® Haircare |
Yes |
Shampoos, BTMS conditioners, leave-ins, scalp tonics, curl creams. |
0.5–1.0% |
|
ORY® Handmade Soap |
Limited |
Liquid and cream soaps (including mildly alkaline), whipped soaps, syndet bars containing water; not needed in cold-process bars. |
0.5–1.0% |
|
ORY® Cosmetics |
Yes |
Foundations, BB creams, setting sprays, mascaras, cream products. |
0.5–1.0% |
Pros and cons of Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin
Pros
Cons
- Most-studied paraben-free system: [1–5].
- Broad pH and formula range: The workhorse.
- Low allergy rate: [3].
- Cationic-compatible: Conditioner-safe.
- Affordable, stable: Reliable.
- Not COSMOS/ECOCERT-approved: Phenoxyethanol is excluded from natural standards.
- “Clean beauty” perception: Some lists exclude it despite strong safety data; ORY® explains and offers Geogard ECT.
- Ethylhexylglycerin sensitization: Low-frequency but relevant in “hypoallergenic” products [5]; patch test.
- Faint rose odor: Usually masked.
- Slight sting on broken skin: Keep ≤0.5% EHG in products for compromised skin.
What is the best application of Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin?
The blend is built into water-containing formulas:
- Serum or toner: 0.8–1.0% (acidic actives tolerated).
- Cream or lotion: 0.8%.
- Shampoo or BTMS conditioner: 0.8–1.0%.
- Liquid or cream soap: 1.0%.
- Cosmetics: 0.8–1.0%.
- Challenge testing: Confirm efficacy per formula (USP 51 / ISO 11930).
Peer-reviewed references
- Elder RL (ed). Final report on the safety assessment of phenoxyethanol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology. 1990;9(2):259–277.
- Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). Opinion on phenoxyethanol, SCCS/1575/16. European Commission; 2016. (Regulatory source: safe at up to 1% for all consumers.)
- Dréno B, Zuberbier T, Gelmetti C, Gontijo G, Marinovich M. Safety review of phenoxyethanol when used as a preservative in cosmetics. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2019;33(Suppl 7):15–24.
- Johnson W Jr, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. Safety assessment of alkyl glyceryl ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology. 2013;32(3 Suppl):5S–21S.
- Aerts O, Verhulst L, Goossens A. Ethylhexylglycerin: a low-risk, but highly relevant, sensitizer in “hypo-allergenic” cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis. 2016;74(5):281–288.
- Lundov MD, Moesby L, Zachariae C, Johansen JD. Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: a review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis. 2009;60(2):70–78.
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is provided by ORY International, LC for educational purposes only. It summarizes published research about phenoxyethanol (and) ethylhexylglycerin as an ingredient, including laboratory and animal studies and clinical studies of formulas that may differ from ORY® products. Results from these studies may not apply to every person or to ORY® products. This page is not medical advice and does not replace advice from a dermatologist, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider.
ORY® Skincare, Haircare, Handmade Soap, and Cosmetics products are cosmetics. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease or condition, including eczema, dermatitis, acne, dandruff, or any other condition. References to FDA or Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) findings describe the ingredient, not ORY® products, and do not mean FDA has reviewed or approved any ORY® product.
Results vary by skin and scalp type, formulation, and use. Allergy to phenoxyethanol is rare; ethylhexylglycerin is an uncommon but documented contact allergen. Any cosmetic can cause irritation, sometimes from other ingredients. Always patch test, follow label directions, and stop use if irritation occurs. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, consult a healthcare provider before use.
ORY International, LC works to keep this page accurate and current but makes no warranty as to its completeness. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ORY International, LC is not liable for any loss or injury arising from reliance on this information or from use of any product contrary to its label directions. To report a reaction, contact us at [insert contact email / phone].
