Phenoxyethanol is used in the beauty industry as a preservative and a stabilizer in perfumes. Though it does occur naturally, the cosmetic ingredient isn’t plan derived. It’s actually produced synthetically.
When there was so much controversy surrounding parabens, this was used by the manufacturers as the replacement. It is currently regulated that it only be used in proportions that are less than 1%.
Some experts believe that this is a toxic ingredient. Repeated and prolonged exposure can cause worsening of eczema, contact dermatitis, and reproductive tonicity and neurotoxicity. These problems generally apply to exposure of products containing high doses of this ingredient. This ingredient is found in both baby products as well as hypoallergenic products.
I generally tend to stay away from this ingredient whenever I can. Preservatives are some of the top irritants. Since I have such sensitive skin, I try and keep it as natural as possible so I can reduce the risk of irritation.