What is Phenoxyethanol?
Phenoxyethanol is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a preservative in cosmetic and personal care products. It belongs to the family of chemical preservatives known as glycol ethers. The chemical formula of phenoxyethanol is C8H10O2 and it exists as a clear, colorless, oily liquid under room temperature. Phenoxyethanol works as an effective preservative by preventing the growth of bacteria, yeasts and molds in products. This allows manufacturers to extend the shelf-life of cosmetics and personal care items.
History and uses of New Zealand Phenoxyethanol Industry
Phenoxyethanol has been used as a preservative in cosmetics, toiletries and other household products since the 1960s. At low concentrations ranging from 0.1-1%, it is regarded as a gentle preservative that is well tolerated by the skin. Phenoxyethanol is commonly found in products like shampoos, lotions, creams, make-up, liquid soaps and air fresheners. This is because it works against a wide variety of microbes and also retains its effectiveness in formulas containing water as well as oil components. Phenoxyethanol has also found increased usage in wipes, baby care items and personal hygiene products in recent years.
Regulations around Phenoxyethanol usage
In New Zealand Phenoxyethanol is classified by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) as a hazardous substance. Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, it is assigned a classification code of 6.1E (acute toxicant) and 6.8B (reproductive or developmental toxicant). However, when present at or below 1% concentration in leave-on cosmetic and personal care products, it is considered safe for use. The Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2017 issued by the EPA specifies a maximum limit of 1% for phenoxyethanol in such products to be marketed and sold in New Zealand.
Safety Evaluation And Concerns
Various research studies have evaluated the safety of phenoxyethanol over decades. The cosmetic ingredient review (CIR) panel of the USA has recognised 0.1-1% concentration of phenoxyethanol as safe for use in cosmetic formulations based on available safety data. The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) also concluded that phenoxyethanol up to a concentration of 1% does not pose any risk to consumer health.
However, some safety concerns have emerged around phenoxyethanol as well. Prolonged or excessive exposure may lead to allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Its classification as a reproductive toxin also implies that high doses administered orally could potentially harm developing fetuses or nursing infants. A 2020 study also reported that phenoxyethanol exhibited phototoxic properties when applied topically to the skin followed by UV light exposure. More research is still needed to fully understand its safety profile.
Growing Demand And Local Production
With increasing health consciousness and focus on natural personal care, some cosmetic brands now advertise their products as ‘phenoxyethanol-free’. However, the worldwide demand for phenoxyethanol as a leading preservative in cosmetics and personal hygiene products has been steadily rising over the past decade. In New Zealand, a local company called Symrise started commercial production of cosmetic-grade phenoxyethanol in 2015 to meet the growing needs of domestic as well as overseas customers. Symrise’s plant near Auckland produces around 300 metric tons of phenoxyethanol annually for export markets in Asia Pacific and other regions. The introduction of local manufacturing has reduced New Zealand’s import dependence for this important excipient chemical.
Overall, New Zealand phenoxyethanol industry broadly used preservative in cosmetic and personal care products sold worldwide. When present at or below 1% concentration in leave-on products intended for customers in New Zealand, it is not expected to cause any health hazards. However, further research may still be warranted to investigate its reported phototoxic effects upon UV exposure. With adequate safety precautions in manufacturing and regulatory oversight of appropriate levels in finished goods, phenoxyethanol is likely to sustain its place as a reliable preservative for the New Zealand cosmetic industry in the future as well.
*Note:
1.Source: CoherentMI, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
