Phenoxyethanol

Also searched as2-Phenoxyethanol

Role: Helps protect a water-based formula from microbial contamination.
Catalog formulas: 21
Type: Stability
Verified: 10.09.2026

What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?

A preservative helps a product remain microbiologically stable throughout its period of use.

Part of a system, not a label in isolation

The presence of a preservative is not inherently a drawback: water-based cosmetics without an adequate preservation system may be unsafe.

Regulatory and scientific context

In the EU, Phenoxyethanol is permitted as a cosmetic preservative at concentrations up to 1%; the SCCS concluded that it is safe for all age groups at this maximum concentration.

What sensitive skin should consider

Like other preservatives, it may cause an individual reaction, although the permitted limits are set for cosmetic use.

Do not confuse with

Despite containing the word ethanol, it is not ethyl alcohol and does not make a formula alcohol-based.

Products containing Phenoxyethanol

Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.

ProductFormatRole in the formulaFull analysis

OKEY Hyperhidrosis Controlverified productroll-onpreservativeOpen

Just Malve Deodorant Antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onpreservativeOpen

LR Aloe Via Aloe Vera Protecting Deo Roll-on 50 mlroll-onpreservativeOpen

KRASSA Med foot spray against sweating and odor 100 mlspraypreservativeOpen

Deo Activ Gentle Care 50 mlroll-onpreservativeOpen

Deonica Nature Protection roll-on antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onpreservativeOpen

Bielita Scandinavian Morning dry cream 50 mlcreampreservativeOpen

Garnier Mineral Hyaluronic Care 72h roll-on 50 mlroll-onpreservativeOpen

Garnier Mineral Antibacterial Effect roll-on 50 mlroll-onpreservativeOpen

Deo Activ Ultra Freshness 50 mlroll-onpreservativeOpen

Dove Go Fresh pomegranate & lemon verbena spray 150 mlspraypreservativeOpen

Deonica For Men Max Protection 5in1 spray 200 mlaerosolpreservativeOpen

Kiehl's Superbly Efficient antiperspirant cream 75 mlcreampreservativeOpen

Garnier Invisible Black White Colors women spray 150 mlaerosolpreservativeOpen

Garnier Men Invisible Black White Colors spray 150 mlaerosolpreservativeOpen

Fa Men Attraction Force deodorant body spray 150 mlaerosolpreservativeOpen

Fa Men Dark Passion deodorant body spray 150 mlaerosolpreservativeOpen

Levrana Daily unscented deodorant 65 mlroll-onpreservativeOpen

NIVEA MEN Black & White MAX PRO roll-on 50 mlroll-onpreservativeOpen

ClarinsMen antiperspirant roll-on 50 mlroll-onpreservativeOpen

Clarins Déodorant Roll-On antiperspirant 50 mlroll-onpreservativeOpen

Sources

The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.

SCCS/1575/16: Opinion on Phenoxyethanol Supports: function, maximum concentration, safety assessment

This ingredient is present in the OKEY formula

Verified product

See where it appears in the complete INCI list and compare the full formula across all criteria rather than judging a finished product by one ingredient.

View the OKEY product profile