Phenoxyethanol Allergy. In 2010, a case study reported that a woman who developed an allerg
In 2010, a case study reported that a woman who developed an allergic reaction experienced hives and anaphylaxis after using a skin care product with phenoxyethanol. I call it a “middle of the road” preservative meaning that it's not the worst one. May 20, 2024 · Phenoxyethanol, a common preservative found in many cosmetics and personal care products, has been the subject of debate regarding its potential to cause skin irritation and allergies. Phenoxyethanol Dangers: Phenoxyethanol can be a surprising source of skin reactions for some people despite being "safe". [4] EWG’s Skin Deep rates thousands of personal care product ingredients, culled from ingredient labels on products, based on hazard information pulled from the scientific literature and industry, academic and regulatory databases. I notice that if phenoxyethanol is listed low in the ingredients, I can tolerate it. Preservative/ Stabilizer Skin contact with phenoxyethanol is required for it to cause a rash. [11] Phenoxyethanol allergy is not uncommon, however irritation reactions to products are massively more common than allergic contact dermatitis, so don't be too fast to assume an allergy. Jan 3, 2019 · They found products containing phenoxyethanol was in the top 10 of allergic reactions. But few have sparked as much internal conflict as phenoxyethanol. Learn about this common skincare preservative and who should avoid it. It is effective against various Gram-n PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET PHENOXYETHANOL (P-025) Your patch testing results indicate that you have a contact allergy to PHENOXYETHANOL. Phenoxyethanol is used as a perfume fixative; an insect repellent; an antiseptic; [7] a solvent for cellulose acetate, dyes, inks, and resins; a preservative for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and lubricants; [8] an anesthetic in fish aquaculture; [9][10] and in organic synthesis. Dec 25, 2024 · Is phenoxyethanol safe for skin? Uncover the truth about this preservative and what it means for your skincare routine. Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in cosmetic products and also as a stabilizer in perfumes and soaps. Some argue that these bad reactions are the result of allergies in the test subjects. . Phenoxyethanol is used to preserve cosmetic products as well as to stabilize soaps and perfumes[1] Allergy to Phenoxyethanol is low and it has been associated with anaphylaxis in only several cases in the literature. 2009). g. As someone else noted, phenoxyethanol tends to be in paraben free This can help identify any potential sensitivities or allergic reactions to phenoxyethanol or other ingredients. It is an alternative to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. The derm was also surprised because phenoxyethanol doesn't typically cause immediate hives as its reaction but usually more likely contact dermatitis. 5-1% concentration. Where is phenoxyethanol found? Jul 19, 2023 · You may be allergic. Allergic contact dermatitis to phenoxyethanol: A rare, but possible cause of hand dermatitis MeSH terms Dermatitis, Allergic Contact* / complications Dermatitis, Allergic Contact* / etiology Dermatitis, Occupational* / complications Dermatitis, Occupational* / etiology Eczema* / etiology Ethylene Glycols Hand Dermatoses* / chemically induced Hand Dermatoses* / diagnosis Humans Patch Tests Phenoxyethanol, or 2-phenoxyethanol, has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and has been widely used as a preservative in cosmetic products for decades. Jun 25, 2025 · Concerned about preservatives in your cosmetics? Learn how phenoxyethanol in skin care extends product life, prevents microbial growth, and who should avoid it. Oct 29, 2020 · Contact allergic reactions (contact urticaria) to the monosubstance phenoxyethanol have been described in individual cases, e. What is PHENOXYETHANOL and where is it found? Finally went to derm to get spot tested and had an immediate hive reaction to phenoxyethanol. Apr 11, 2024 · Phenoxyethanol is a safe skin care preservative also used as a solvent and agent which tackles unwanted microrganisms. This contact allergy may cause your skin to react when it is exposed to this substance although it may take several days for the symptoms to appear. It’s synthesized by combining phenol and ethylene oxide. An American study shows that phenoxyethanol caused mild allergy on rabbit skin at a 2% concentration. The researchers did a specific phenoxyethanol skin test and found that she was allergic to the preservative. Jul 17, 2025 · Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative used in cosmetics (like lotions, makeup and baby wipes) to prevent bacterial growth. Now that we have established phenoxyethanol is safe to add at low concentrations in most cosmetics, let’s talk about how you can use it to improve your products. Now in skin care phenoxyethanol can only be used in 0. Nov 18, 2022 · In a 2010 case study, a woman developed an allergic reaction —in the form of hives and anaphylaxis—after using a skin care product with phenoxyethanol. Mar 30, 2024 · Although allergies to phenoxyethanol are rare, it is possible to become allergic to any ingredient in cosmetic products. May 22, 2025 · Find out about phenoxyethanol side effects, managing reactions due to phenoxyethanol, and also the question of whether phenoxyethanol is hazardous in personal care product formulations. In severe cases, you may experience anaphylaxis. Its low potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions makes it suitable for a broad range of consumers. Mar 27, 2023 · The Safety Profile of Phenoxyethanol Phenoxyethanol is considered a safe and effective preservative in skin care products. Nov 27, 2018 · Phenoxyethanol is known to cause allergic-type reactions on the skin in some people. An Italian study also found that phenoxyethanol is a notable contact allergan. It is important that you familiarize yourself with this chemical and take steps to avoid coming in contact with it. Typical symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, and fluid-filled blisters. Aug 15, 2023 · Phenoxyethanol is a common cosmetic preservative in skin care products, shampoos, washes, mascaras, and foundations. Dec 18, 2021 · Contact Dermatitis is a dermatology journal focusing on allergic and irritant (toxic) types of contact dermatitis, and occupational and consumers’ dermatitis. Understanding the potential risks and side effects of phenoxyethanol allows us to make informed choices about the skincare products we use. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing phenoxyethanol should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. Studies link it to skin irritation, allergies, neurotoxicity and potential harm to fertility and infant health. It is effective against various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as against yeasts, and has only a weak inhibitory effect … Oct 7, 2019 · Phenoxyethanol, or 2-phenoxyethanol, has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and has been widely used as a preservative in cosmetic products for decades. If you’re allergic to phenoxyethanol, you may develop a rash like hives on your skin where the product was applied. Your patch test result indicates that you have a contact allergy to phenoxyethanol. Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. [3] Infant oral exposure to phenoxyethanol can acutely affect nervous system function. [1] Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema[2] to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. Dec 18, 2021 · Allergic contact dermatitis to phenoxyethanol: A rare, but possible cause of hand dermatitis Contribution: Conceptualization (equal), Investigation (equal), Writing - original draft (equal), Writing - review & editing (equal) If you’ve patch tested positive to phenoxyethanol, look out for it under different names or possible cross reactants including 2-Phenoxyethanol, Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-, Rose ether, Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, Ethylene glycol phenyl ether, 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane, Glycol monophenyl ether, and beta-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether. There was also a 2015 report of phenoxyethanol causing irritation. You would need to see a dermatologist/ allergist for patch testing to confirm true allergy. In my early training, Allergen information for Phenoxyethanol is available from the Contact Dermatitis Institute™ Allergen Database; a wiki-like resource for allergic contact dermatitis information. after application of an aftershave (Lujan D et al. As a certified organic skincare formulator with over a decade of experience, I've witnessed the ebb and flow of countless ingredients. Learn more at Paula's Choice.
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