Is Phenoxyethanol Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Phenoxyethanol is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (preservatives).
INCI name Phenoxyethanol. CAS 122-99-6.
Is Phenoxyethanol banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | lotion, sunscreen, wipes |
| CAS number | 122-99-6 |
What is Phenoxyethanol?
Phenoxyethanol (Phenoxyethanol) is a preservative.
Why is Phenoxyethanol used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Phenoxyethanol dangerous? Documented risks
The EU limits it to 1%; flagged for infant exposure concerns.
Products that may contain Phenoxyethanol
- TRESemmé Botanique Coconut Nourish ShampooTRESemmé
- Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine ShampooGarnier
- Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Body CreamBath & Body Works
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming GelLa Roche-Posay
- CeraVe Renewing SA CleanserCeraVe
- Coppertone Kids SPF 50 Sunscreen SprayCoppertone
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60La Roche-Posay
- Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body LotionBath & Body Works
How to avoid Phenoxyethanol: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Phenoxyethanol
Is Phenoxyethanol banned in the EU?
Phenoxyethanol is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Phenoxyethanol in US cosmetics?
Yes — Phenoxyethanol can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Phenoxyethanol?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Phenoxyethanol automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Phenoxyethanol?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Phenoxyethanol.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Phenoxyethanol or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related preservatives
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.