Ingredient · dataset v56
Phenoxyethanol and fungal acne
No known trigger
Why it's not a known trigger
A small aromatic ether-alcohol preservative; contains no fatty chain Malassezia yeast could consume.
The most common single preservative in modern cosmetics, used around 1%.
Evidence strength
Judged neutral — no trigger evidence
Function
Preservative
Also listed as
2-Phenoxyethanol
Checked products with this ingredient (25)
Product types: Body care, Cleansers, Hair care, Makeup, Micellar waters, Moisturizers, Serums & Treatments, Shampoos, Sunscreens, Toners
Body care (4)
- Medix 5.5 Glycolic + Lactic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash 15 oz
- AHAVA Dead Sea Water Mineral Shower Gel 6.8 oz
- Makari Glycolic + Lactic Acid + Niacinamide Body Wash 15 oz
- SEEN Body Wash Fragrance Free 10 fl oz
Cleansers (2)
Hair care (3)
- Redken Extreme CAT Protein Reconstructing Rinse-Off Treatment Spray
- Fresh Monster Kids Hair Gel, Flexible Hold, No Added Fragrance 6 oz
- FragFre Hair Styling Gel, Medium Hold, Sensitive Skin 8 fl oz
Makeup (3)
- e.l.f. Cosmetics High Definition Powder Sheer
- NYX Professional Makeup Dewy Finish Long Lasting Setting Spray
- Morphe Bake & Set Translucent Setting Powder Jumbo
Micellar waters (1)
Moisturizers (3)
- Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion 170ml
- Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel 50 ml
- Geek & Gorgeous Hydration Station Gel-Cream 50 ml
Serums & Treatments (4)
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 30 ml
- Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 100 ml
- Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow 15% Vitamin C Serum 30 ml
- Stridex Maximum Strength Medicated Pads
Shampoos (3)
- Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash
- Exederm Eczema Care Daily Shampoo 8 oz
- Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc Shampoo 8 fl oz
Sunscreens (1)
Toners (1)
Related preservative
- Anisic Acid — No known trigger
- Benzisothiazolinone — No known trigger
- Benzyl Alcohol — No known trigger
- Butylated Hydroxytoluene — No known trigger
- Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate — No known trigger
- Butylparaben — No known trigger
- Caprylhydroxamic Acid — No known trigger
- Chlorhexidine Digluconate — No known trigger
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Phenoxyethanol trigger fungal acne?
No known trigger: A small aromatic ether-alcohol preservative; contains no fatty chain the yeast could consume.
Does Phenoxyethanol feed Malassezia?
No known link: Phenoxyethanol is judged with no known trigger. One screened ingredient is not a product verdict — when in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Phenoxyethanol →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.