Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative ingredient. It’s in 3,303 products on Poliage, most often mascara, body lotion and moisturizer. Avoid lists on Poliage that include it: none.
Updated October 21, 2026
In plain English
A synthetic preservative that keeps bacteria and yeast from growing in water-based products.
What it does
Contains Phenoxyethanol: preservative
Function listed in CosIng
Source: CosIng, the European Commission cosmetic ingredient database, ref 36522, accessed October 22, 2026. Also listed as phenoxyethanolum, phenoxytol and egphe.
Products that contain Phenoxyethanol
Sanex
Men Shampooing Antipelliculaire
Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, sulfates, coconut derivatives
Dove
Men+Care 3N1 Recharge With Menthol Body Wash
Body wash · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, sulfates, coconut derivatives
Dove
Men+Care 3N1 Recover with Peppermint Body, Face + Hair Wash
Cleanser · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, sulfates, coconut derivatives
Dove
Men+Care 3N1 Revive with Wild Mint Oil Body Wash
Body wash · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils, sulfates, coconut derivatives
Dove
Men+Care Calming Hand + Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, silicones
Dove
Men+Care Deep Clean+ Face Scrub
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, sulfates, coconut derivatives
Unilever
Men+Care Fortifying Shampoo Conditioner
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, sulfates, silicones, coconut derivatives
Dove
Men+Care Hydrate+ Face Lotion
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance, silicones, chemical UV filters
Dove
Men+Care Refreshing Hand + Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Dove
Men+Care Replenishing Hand + Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
mermaid majesty
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, essential oils, silicones
R+Co
METAL DETECTOR Detox Shampoo
Shampoo · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, coconut derivatives
everyone
Meyer lemon + mandarin gentle + nourishing hand soap with calendula, chamomile, and aloe vera
Lists fragrance allergens, sulfates, coconut derivatives
Nivea
MicellAIR
Lists coconut derivatives
Nivea
Micellaire skin breathe
Lists coconut derivatives
Ultra compact
Micellar cleansing water
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils, chemical UV filters
Skyn Iceland
Micellar Cleansing Water
None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Kiehl’s Since 1851
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Lists fragrance allergens, essential oils
Bliss
Mighty Marshmallow: Skin Brightening Face Mask
Mask · Lists fragrance allergens, essential oils, silicones
milani bronze make up
Lists fragrance, silicones
The INKEY List
Milk Cleanser
Cleanser · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Thayers
Milky Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Moisturizer · Lists drying alcohol, silicones
vichy
Mineral 89
None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Sun Bum
Mineral SPF 30 Liquid Face
Sunscreen · Lists silicones, coconut derivatives
Related guides
How to read an ingredient list
What the ingredient list on a beauty product tells you, what the names mean, and what it leaves out, using FDA and EU labeling rules.
Does ingredient order show how much is in a product?
Ingredient lists run from most to least, but only down to 1%. Below that, any order is allowed. What the order shows and what it hides.
How do you patch test a new product?
What the AAD, FDA and DermNet say about testing a small area, the FDA hair dye skin test, in-office patch tests, and contact allergy basics.