Regarding the Safety of Phenoxyethanol

Thank you for your question and for sharing the information you read. It's understandable to be concerned about the ingredients in cosmetic products.

Regarding the claim about Phenoxyethanol and parabens causing calcium deposits leading to breast cancer, it's important to rely on scientific consensus and regulatory body assessments. Major health and cosmetic regulatory bodies around the world, such as the U.S. FDA and the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), have reviewed the safety of both parabens and phenoxyethanol extensively.

• Parabens: While some studies have raised questions, regulatory bodies have generally concluded that parabens are safe for use in cosmetics at approved concentration levels. However, due to consumer preference and ongoing discussions, many formulators choose to use paraben-free alternatives.
• Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol is widely accepted globally as a safe and effective preservative when used within the maximum allowed concentration (typically up to 1%). Regulatory bodies have repeatedly assessed its safety and found it safe for use in cosmetics.

MySkinRecipes offers Phenoxyethanol and its variants as preservatives. For example:

• Phenoxyethanol (Extra Pure) is highlighted as a very safe preservative, free from parabens and formaldehyde, with a very low level of impurities to minimize irritation risk. It is effective against bacteria but less so against fungi, suggesting it may be best used with other preservatives or in specific formulations.
• Phenoxyethanol SA (eq. Optiphen Plus) is described as a broad-spectrum preservative combining Phenoxyethanol with Caprylyl Glycol and Sorbic Acid, offering enhanced protection against bacteria and fungi while potentially allowing for lower overall Phenoxyethanol concentration.
• Chlorphenesin / Phenoxyethanol (Microcare PHC eq.) is presented as another effective and economical paraben alternative.
• Phenoxyethanol P5 is also offered as a general-purpose preservative.

While Sodium Paraben is also available as a broad-spectrum preservative, Phenoxyethanol is often chosen as a paraben-free option.

In conclusion, based on current scientific understanding and regulatory reviews, Phenoxyethanol is considered a safe and effective preservative for cosmetic use at recommended levels. The high-purity grades available aim to further enhance safety and reduce potential irritation. As with any ingredient, proper formulation and usage concentration are key.