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Answer: Phenoxyethanol is restricted (not fully banned) in European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: lotion, sunscreen, wipes.
TL;DR: Phenoxyethanol is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (preservatives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Phenoxyethanol. CAS 122-99-6.
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | lotion, sunscreen, wipes |
| CAS number | 122-99-6 |
Phenoxyethanol (Phenoxyethanol) is a preservative.
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
The EU limits it to 1%; flagged for infant exposure concerns.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Phenoxyethanolwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Phenoxyethanol is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — Phenoxyethanol can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Phenoxyethanol automatically.
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 →Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.