Researching skin care regimens often leaves us with a long list of words to look up.
Phenoxyethanol is just one example of many.
But even products marketed as “natural” may include this unfamiliar-sounding preservative.
But don’t be alarmed.
Phenoxyethanol: the bacteria-fighting preservative
Fee-naak-see-eh-thuh-nuhl.
The chemical is antimicrobial, making it a perfect contender as a preservative for skincare and cosmetic products.
That is what phenoxyethanol is known for today, according toWebMD.
As a preservative, phenoxyethanol keeps bacteria from making a home in your bottles of foundation or moisturizer tubes.
In addition to bacteria, phenoxyethanol can prevent fungi and yeast from growing in your cosmetics.
Thus, your products have a longer shelf life.
However, some may find phenoxyethanol as an irritant, meaning you could be allergic.
In that case, talk to a physician about the options best for you and your skin.
Additionally, babies should not be exposed to high amounts of phenoxyethanol.
The ingredient chlorphenesin also contributed to side effects, according to the report.
