Why Not Use Phenoxyethanol Wet Wipes?

The preservative phenoxyethanol or “phenoxyethanol” is being used more and more for its stability and low price.

Although known since the 1950s, in recent years it has become a substitute for questionable parabens in many everyday hygiene products, such as soaps and wipes.

It is also found in lipsticks, makeup, blushes, sanitary disinfectants, perfumes, and anti-acne products.

Phenoxyethanol is a skin irritant

However, phenoxyethanol is not a risk-free ingredient. Its irritant effect was demonstrated in a study by the South Korean Skin Research Institute and is superior to other preservatives with similar antimicrobial power, which is why the European Union has classified it as a “skin irritant”.

The FDA (United States Federal Food and Drug Agency) already prevented in 2008 the risk of using this preservative in a cream for nipple cracks due to its ability to cause diarrhea, dehydration and alteration of the nervous system in newborns.

Likewise, there are experiments in animals that reveal their interaction in hormonal cycles and their mutagenic and, therefore, potentially carcinogenic capacity.

This possible effect is difficult to demonstrate in humans, since it is difficult to empirically link a disease such as cancer with a preservative that has been used for years.

May cause allergy

What is proven is that phenoexethanol is an allergen that causes irritation, hives and eczema in some people.

European legislation limits the content of phenoxyethanol to 1% concentration in the commercial product. Still, there are enough reasons to turn to alternatives with natural preservatives like essential oils or potassium sorbate.

It is especially recommended to avoid it in products for children under three years of age, such as wet wipes.

On the other hand, it must be said that phenoxyethanol is not only used in hygiene products and cosmetics. The pharmaceutical industry uses it in vaccines, and textiles, as a solvent for dyes and for leather tanning.