Phenoxyethanol


Phenoxyethanol is a germicidal and germistatic glycol ether, phenol ether, and aromatic alcohol often used together with quaternary ammonium compounds.

Use

Phenoxyethanol is used as a perfume fixative; an insect repellent; an antiseptic; a solvent for cellulose acetate, dyes, inks, and resins; a preservative for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and lubricants; an anesthetic in fish aquaculture; and in organic synthesis.
Phenoxyethanol is an alternative to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. In Japan and the European Union, its concentration in cosmetics is restricted to 1%.

Production

Phenoxyethanol is produced by the hydroxyethylation of phenol, for example, in the presence of alkali-metal hydroxides or alkali-metal borohydrides.

Efficacy

Phenoxyethanol is effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and the yeast Candida albicans.

Safety

Phenoxyethanol is a vaccine preservative and potential allergen, which may result in a nodular reaction at the site of injection. It reversibly inhibits NMDAR-mediated ion currents. Ingestion may cause central nervous system and respiratory depression, vomiting and diarrhea in infants, particularly when combined with chlorphenesin.