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Phenoxyethanol

Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Phenoxyethanol

The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.

All Japan recordsOpen ingredient profileCompare all marketsOpen official source

Regulatory decision and full conditions

Status
Restricted
Legal role
Binding rule
Regulatory summary
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions and restrictions
Maximum amount per 100 g: 1.0

Substance identity

Official source name
Phenoxyethanol
CAS
122-99-6
EC
204-589-7
Identity mapping
exact INCI name
Linked ingredient
PHENOXYETHANOL
Search this identity across the siteCAS 122-99-6EC 204-589-7

Linked CosIng identity data

Names and aliases

PHENOXYETHANOLphenoxyethanolum

CosIng description: 2-Phenoxyethanol

EU inventory restriction note: V/29

Recorded cosmetic function: ANTIMICROBIAL, PRESERVATIVE

Function pages:ANTIMICROBIAL, PRESERVATIVE

View the complete ingredient profile

Cross-market snapshot for this identity

Exact linked records currently present in this site. An absent market means no imported exact match, not permission to use the substance.

6 market datasets

European Union

Positive-list entry with conditions

1 linked record · 1 with specific conditions

Open supporting record

Great Britain

Permitted list with conditions

1 linked record · 1 with specific conditions

Open supporting record
PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 122-99-6
CAS 122-99-6PubChem CID 31236

Verified chemistry for CAS 122-99-6

Phenoxyethanol

IUPAC name
2-phenoxyethanol
Molecular formula
C8H10O2
Molecular weight
138.16 g/mol
Exact mass
138.068079557 Da
Monoisotopic mass
138.068079557 Da
XLogP3
1.2
Topological polar surface area
29.5 Ų
Molecular complexity
77.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Rotatable bonds
3
Heavy atoms
10
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

Ethylene glycol monophenyl etherPhenyl cellosolvePhenoxetholPhenoxytolEthanol, 2-phenoxy-2-Phenoxyethan-1-OlPhenoxetolEthylene glycol phenyl ether
16 more reported names
Rose etherPhenoxyethyl alcohol1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethaneArosolPhenylmonoglycol ether2-Phenoxyethyl alcoholDowanol EPDowanol EPHGlycol monophenyl ether2-Hydroxyethyl phenyl etherEmeressence 1160Fenyl-cellosolve2-FenoxyethanolFenylcelosolvEmery 6705beta-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
Open full PubChem recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
0
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D pharmacophore features
4
3D rings
1
3D hydrophobes
0
3D acceptor features
2
3D donor features
1
3D anionic centres
0
3D cationic centres
0
3D conformers
8
Effective 3D rotors
3.0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
C1=CC=C(C=C1)OCCO
InChI
InChI=1S/C8H10O2/c9-6-7-10-8-4-2-1-3-5-8/h1-5,9H,6-7H2
InChIKey
QCDWFXQBSFUVSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match31236

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P330, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 4299) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (99.8%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H318 (13%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H319 (87%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335 (13%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P317, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P305+P354+P338, P317, P319, P330, P337+P317, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 4299 reports by companies from 38 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 4299 reports by companies.; There are 37 notifications provided by 4298 of 4299 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P264, P264+P265, P270, P280, P301+P317, P305+P354+P338, P317, P330, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
  • NFPA Health Rating: 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Toxicity Summary: 2-Phenoxyethanol is a glycol ether. Glycol ethers can produce toxicity following oxidation to the corresponding aldehyde and alkoxyacetic acid by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH; EC 1.1.1.1) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH; EC 1.2.1.3), respectively. (A15201) 2-Phenoxyethanol causes reduction of NMDA-induced membrane currents, indicating a neurotoxic potential for 2-phenoxyethanol. (A15202) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 1.5 was calculated in fish for 2-phenoxyethanol(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.16(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 15(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2-phenoxyethanol is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of 2-phenoxyethanol from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.9X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 0.007 mm Hg at 25 °C(3), and water solubility, 2.6X10+4 mg/L(4). One biodegradation study reported theoretical 2-phenoxyethanol BODs of 2% (5-day), 71% (10-day), and 80% (20-day)(3); a theoretical 20-day BOD of 50%(3) indicates biodegrdaation may be an important environmnetal fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 15(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 2-phenoxyethanol is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.9X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 0.007 mm Hg at 25 °C(4), and water solubility, 2.6X10+4 mg/L(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 1.5(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.16(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. One biodegradation study reported theoretical 2-phenoxyethanol BODs of 2% (5-day), 71% (10-day), and 80% (20-day)(4); a theoretical 20-day BOD of 50% indicates a compound will largely be removed during biological waste treatment(4). 2-Phenoxyethanol is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 2-phenoxyethanol, which has a estimated vapor pressure of 0.007 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 2-phenoxyethanol is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be about 11.8 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 3.27X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Monitoring data have shown that 2-phenoxyethanol can be removed from the atmosphere via precipitation such as snow(4). 2-Phenoxyethanol does not absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(5), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Consumer Uses: Solvent; Other; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Surfactant (surface active agent); Fragrance; Cleaning agent; Preservative; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Soil amendments (fertilizers) Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Etching agent; Preservative; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Waterproofing agent; Fragrance; Fixing agent (mordant); Cleaning agent; Plasticizer; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Surfactant (surface active agent); Other; Solvent Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Phenoxyethanol Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used in perfumes, insect repellants, and antiseptics and to produce other organic chemicals; [Merck Index, 7257] Used as a solvent for inks, dyes, and cleaners; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Metal Degreasing [Category: Clean]; Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean]; Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Fixative for perfumes, in organic synthesis; as a bactericide in conjunction with quaternary ammonium compounds Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Solvent for cellulose acetate, dyes; inks, resins; perfume fixative; bactericidal agent; organic synthesis of plasticizers, germicides, pharmaceuticals; insect repellents Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: MEDICATION Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Use (kg; approx.) in Germany (2009): >25000; Consumption (g per capita; approx.) in Germany (2009): 0.305; Calculated removal (%): 92.1 Source: NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
  • Uses: 2-Phenoxyethanol is used in many applications such as cosmetics, vaccines and pharmaceuticals as a preservative. It is also used as a fixative for perfumes, an insect repellent, a topical antiseptic, a solvent for cellulose acetate, some dyes, inks, and resins, in preservatives, pharmaceuticals, and in organic synthesis. Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Official source and provenance

Registered source
Japan MHLW Standards for Cosmetics
Source reference
Appendix 3 section 1, entry 13
Source record ID
appendix-3-1:13
Source version
MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30
Source language
English provisional translation; Japanese text is canonical
Translation status
Regulator-hosted provisional English translation · English translation
Snapshot checked
2026-08-30 04:11 UTC
Validation method
pdftotext -layout plus strict per-table row counts
SHA-256
117fc949a82789ca66017163f19041cf2fcf6b5902708077c8e4f56c482dc8e2

Registered dataset notes

Dataset coverage
Prohibited and restricted ingredient appendices with concentration and use conditions
Authority note
Official MHLW standard; validate later Japanese updates before presenting current status
Inspect the exact official sourceRegulator guidance

How this record fits the market dataset

117
current Japan records
87
records marked Restricted
117
records from this source version
32
market records with CAS identity

Status distribution

Prohibited: 30Restricted: 87

Condition text is present on 117 of 117 current records. An empty condition field is interpreted according to the record type above; it is never converted into an unrestricted-use claim.

Japan market context

Complete Standards appendices dataset

Coverage version: MHLW Standards for Cosmetics official English source and Japanese amendments checked for the imported snapshot

Prohibited ingredients, restricted ingredients and permitted preservative/UV/colourant appendices present in the official standard source.

Verification checklist

  1. Search Japanese/English identity and CAS where present.
  2. Apply category and maximum-amount conditions.
  3. Check later MHLW notices against the Japanese source.
  4. Verify marketing licence, notification, labelling and quasi-drug classification.

Official market sources

Verification workflow and record completeness

Before using this result in a compliance decision

  1. Confirm that “Phenoxyethanol” and every CAS/EC identifier refer to the material in your supplier specification.
  2. Search Japanese/English identity and CAS where present.
  3. Apply category and maximum-amount conditions.
  4. Check later MHLW notices against the Japanese source.
  5. Verify marketing licence, notification, labelling and quasi-drug classification.
  6. Document the source version and recheck the regulator before manufacture, notification or market placement.

Fields available in this record

  • Official substance nameAvailable
  • CASAvailable
  • ECAvailable
  • Separate condition textAvailable
  • Effective dateNot supplied
  • Snapshot hash and methodAvailable

Questions this page answers

This substance is not unrestricted: cosmetic use is subject to the conditions in the cited official record. Check product type, body area, concentration, purity and warning requirements before deciding whether a formulation is compliant.

If this row does not reproduce conditions, open the cited official detail because omission does not mean unrestricted use. The Japanese text and subsequent notices are canonical; no local match is not a product-compliance conclusion.

The record cites Appendix 3 section 1, entry 13, source version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30. Open the official source.

No. CAS helps resolve identity, but jurisdictions can classify the same substance differently and can apply different product scopes, limits, warnings and transition dates.

Stable citation

Phenoxyethanol. Appendix 3 section 1, entry 13. Japan. Source version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/jp/records/647/

Cite the regulator as the legal authority. This page is a structured evidence index and verification aid, not a substitute for the official text or professional legal assessment.

Interpretation and limits for Japan

This substance is not unrestricted: cosmetic use is subject to the conditions in the cited official record.

Check product type, body area, concentration, purity and warning requirements before deciding whether a formulation is compliant.

How to interpret the legal role

The cited row forms part of a binding rule or legally incorporated list for this market.

Evidence on this page

  • Recorded outcome: Restricted
  • Legal role: Binding rule
  • Source version: MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30

What it does not prove

The Japanese text and subsequent notices are canonical; no local match is not a product-compliance conclusion.

Further authoritative substance research

These sources can add identity, safety, exposure or hazard context. A link is not evidence that the database contains this exact substance, and none of these sources overrides the market decision above.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessments

Expert Panel conclusions, assessed ingredient groups, use conditions, dates and report documents

Independent expert review considered by FDA; not a government approval or binding market rule

Research this identity at the source

FDA Global Substance Registration System

UNII identifiers, preferred names, substance types, codes and public substance relationships

Identity registry only; UNII availability does not imply FDA review or approval

Research this identity at the source

ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards

Hazards, symptoms, first aid, storage, incompatibilities and physical properties for covered chemicals

International occupational chemical-safety reference; not cosmetic-use approval

Research this identity at the source

Japan NITE-CHRIP

Chemical identity, Japanese and foreign legal lists, GHS hazards and exposure-related information

Chemical-management evidence; cosmetic status remains governed by the applicable MHLW standard and market rules

Research this identity at the source

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

REL, PEL, IDLH, properties, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, first aid and measurement methods for covered workplace chemicals

US occupational-health guidance and limits; not a cosmetic ingredient decision

Research this identity at the source

OECD eChemPortal

Gateway to authority-owned physical-property, fate, ecotoxicity, toxicity, exposure and GHS records

Discovery gateway; each linked authority remains responsible for its data

Research this identity at the source

US EPA CompTox CTX APIs

API key required for import

DTXSID identity, experimental and predicted properties, toxicity, bioactivity, exposure and environmental data

Scientific and computational evidence; predictions must remain labelled and do not determine cosmetic legality

Research this identity at the source