Ingredient guide
Phenoxyethanol in Lip Gloss
What Phenoxyethanol does in lip gloss and how it's regulated.
About Phenoxyethanol
A glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetics, often marketed as a 'safer' alternative to parabens.
Why brands use it in lip gloss
Broad-spectrum preservative effective against gram-negative bacteria; popular paraben-free alternative in clean beauty formulations.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: Approved for cosmetic use. No concentration limit in the US, though the EU restricts it to 1%.
- European Union: Not on the EU prohibited list (some ingredients have concentration limits)
- Canada: Not restricted
Common alternatives
Other ingredients formulators use for a similar job in lip gloss:
tocopherol (vitamin E)
rosemary extract
neem oil
sodium anisate
Phenoxyethanol in other product types
FAQ
What is Phenoxyethanol?
A glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetics, often marketed as a 'safer' alternative to parabens.
Why is Phenoxyethanol used in lip gloss?
Broad-spectrum preservative effective against gram-negative bacteria; popular paraben-free alternative in clean beauty formulations.
How is Phenoxyethanol regulated?
Approved for cosmetic use. No concentration limit in the US, though the EU restricts it to 1%.
Does Numbrrrz lip balm contain Phenoxyethanol?
No. Numbrrrz is organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus organic essential oils or flavoring in the scented versions. That is a formulation choice, not a judgment about other products.
