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Cosmetic preservatives

Phenoxyethanol

Also known as 2-Phenoxyethanol, Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, Phenyl cellosolve

CAS 122-99-6Formula C8H10O2Molar mass 138.17 g/molEC 204-589-7
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Harmful or irritant 241 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Phenoxyethanol chemical structure, C8H10O2, CAS 122-99-6
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Oily liquid
Melting point
14 °C
Boiling point
245.2 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.1
Flash point
127 °C
HS code
290949
Category
Cosmetic preservatives
Illustrative photo, a closed 1000 litre IBC tote in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Phenoxyethanol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

2-phenoxyethanol is an aromatic ether that is phenol substituted on oxygen by a 2-hydroxyethyl group. It has a role as an antiinfective agent and a central nervous system depressant. It is a primary alcohol, a glycol ether and an aromatic ether. It is functionally related to a phenol.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
2-phenoxyethanol
CAS number
122-99-6 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 56257-90-0, 9004-78-8
EC number
204-589-7
Molecular formula
C8H10O2
UNII
HIE492ZZ3T
MDL number
MFCD00002857
INCI name
PHENOXYETHANOL
InChIKey
QCDWFXQBSFUVSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C8H10O2/c9-6-7-10-8-4-2-1-3-5-8/h1-5,9H,6-7H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C1=CC=C(C=C1)OCCO

Synonyms

  • 2-Phenoxyethanol
  • Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether
  • Phenyl cellosolve
  • Phenoxethol
  • Phenoxytol
  • Ethanol, 2-phenoxy-
  • 2-Phenoxyethan-1-Ol
  • Phenoxetol
  • Ethylene glycol phenyl ether
  • Rose ether
  • Phenoxyethyl alcohol
  • 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane
  • Arosol
  • Phenylmonoglycol ether
  • 2-Phenoxyethyl alcohol
  • Dowanol EP
  • Dowanol EPH
  • Glycol monophenyl ether
  • 2-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
  • Emeressence 1160
  • Fenyl-cellosolve
  • 2-Fenoxyethanol
  • Fenylcelosolv
  • Emery 6705
  • beta-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
Show all 37 synonyms
  • EGMPE
  • Dalpad A
  • Plastiazan-41
  • beta-Phenoxyethanol
  • Newpol EFP
  • CPAP WIPES
  • VAXOL PURI
  • beta-Phenoxyethyl alcohol
  • MELAO DEODORANT Cream
  • MELAO COLOR HAIR WAX
  • 2-Phenoxy-ethanol
  • Phenylglycol

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Oily liquidexp.
Odour
Faint aromatic odorexp.
Taste
Burning tasteexp.
Melting point
14 °Cexp.
Boiling point
245.2 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.1exp.
Flash point
127 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
500 °Cexp.
Solubility
2.67 g/100 mL waterexp.
Vapour pressure
0.007 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
138.17 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
138.0681 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.06calc.
Topological polar surface area
29.46 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
3calc.
Heavy atoms
10calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.25calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, c1ccccc1

c1ccccc1

1 ring, 6 atoms, the Benzene ring system.

485,677 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
130NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (15)
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Phenoxyethanol suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 241 suppliers
30 of 30 offers

Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

241 suppliers in 35 countries

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Phenoxyethanol price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Fixative for perfumes, in organic synthesis, as a bactericide in conjunction with quaternary ammonium compounds.

Solvent for cellulose acetate, dyes, inks, resins, perfume fixative, bactericidal agent, organic synthesis of plasticizers, germicides, pharmaceuticals, insect repellents.

Industrial uses: Etching agent, Preservative, Waterproofing agent, Fragrance, Fixing agent (mordant), Cleaning agent, Plasticizer.

Consumer uses: Solvent, Other, Processing aids not otherwise specified, Surfactant (surface active agent), Fragrance, Cleaning agent, Preservative.

Use classes: Preservatives and Antioxidants, Solvents, Safer Chemical Classes, Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name PHENOXYETHANOL(antimicrobial, preservative)

Pharmacological actions

  • Anesthetics
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local

Roles

  • antiinfective agent
  • central nervous system depressant
  • central nervous system drug
  • pharmaceutical

Functional uses

  • Antioxidant
  • Biocide
  • Chemical reaction regulator
  • Film former
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance
  • Plasticizer
  • Preservative
  • Processing aids not otherwise specified
  • Solubility enhancer
  • Solvent
  • Stabilizing agent

Cosmetic functions

  • Antimicrobial
  • Preservative

How it is made

A mixture of ethylene chlorohydrin in 30% aqueous NaOH may be added to phenol at 100-110 °C to give 2-phenoxyethanol in 98% yield.

Obtained by treating phenol with ethylene oxide in an alkaline medium.

Produced by the hydroxyethylation of phenol ... in the presence of alkali-metal hydroxides or alkali metal borohydrides.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 603-098-00-9

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V, allowed preservative
    Name: PHENOXYETHANOL, Ref no: 29, Annex ref: V/29
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • Safer Choice ingredient list (USA)
  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Phenoxyethanol is traded under.

HS 2909.49Indicative HS code

Ether-alcohols and their halogenated not elsewhere classified in subheading 2909.4

World exports in 2024
$1.74B
+6.8% vs 2023, imports $1.86B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. Germany20.6%
  2. China13.9%
  3. Netherlands12.2%
Top importers
  1. China8.8%
  2. Germany8.3%
  3. United States7.5%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Phenoxyethanol is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Phenoxyethanol, based on the data on this page

What is Phenoxyethanol?

2-phenoxyethanol is an aromatic ether that is phenol substituted on oxygen by a 2-hydroxyethyl group. It has a role as an antiinfective agent and a central nervous system depressant. It is a primary alcohol, a glycol ether and an aromatic ether. It is functionally related to a phenol.

What is the CAS number of Phenoxyethanol?

The CAS registry number of Phenoxyethanol is 122-99-6. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 56257-90-0, 9004-78-8.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Phenoxyethanol?

The molecular formula of Phenoxyethanol is C8H10O2 and its molar mass is 138.17 g/mol.

What is Phenoxyethanol used for?

Fixative for perfumes, in organic synthesis, as a bactericide in conjunction with quaternary ammonium compounds. Solvent for cellulose acetate, dyes, inks, resins, perfume fixative, bactericidal agent, organic synthesis of plasticizers, germicides, pharmaceuticals, insect repellents.

Is Phenoxyethanol hazardous?

Phenoxyethanol carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye damage, may cause respiratory irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is usually classified under HS code 290949 (Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Phenoxyethanol?

CompoundList lists 241 suppliers of Phenoxyethanol in China, United States, India, Germany and 31 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Phenoxyethanol in India?

33 suppliers in India list Phenoxyethanol on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Phenoxyethanol?

Suppliers quote Phenoxyethanol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Phenoxyethanol

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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