Phenoxyethanol

Identification

Summary

Phenoxyethanol is an antiseptic used as a hand disinfectant or preservative in medications.

Generic Name
Phenoxyethanol
DrugBank Accession Number
DB11304
Background

Phenoxyethanol is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It is a glycol ether used as a perfume fixative, insect repellent, antiseptic, solvent, preservative, and also as an anesthetic in fish aquaculture. Phenoxyethanol is an ether alcohol with aromatic properties. It is both naturally found and manufactured synthetically. Demonstrating antimicrobial ability, phenoxyethanol acts as an effective preservative in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and lubricants 5.

Phenoxyethanol (EU), or PE, is the most commonly used globally-approved preservative in personal care formulations. It is very easy to use in various types of formulations and is chemically stable. Phenoxyethanol is a colorless, clear, oily liquid with a faint aromatic odor at room temperature and a low water solubility and evaporation rate. It is produced by reacting phenol (EU) and ethylene oxide (EU) at a high temperature and pressure. This substance occurs naturally in green tea (EU) 6.

According to the European Union Cosmetics Regulation (EC) n.1223/2009, phenoxyethanol is authorized as a preservative in cosmetic formulations at a maximum concentration of 1.0% 8.

Phenoxyethanol has been classified as an antimicrobial and preservative by Health Canada 7. It has also been used in vaccines and shown to inactivate bacteria, and several types of yeast 2.

Type
Small Molecule
Groups
Approved
Structure
Weight
Average: 138.166
Monoisotopic: 138.068079562
Chemical Formula
C8H10O2
Synonyms
  • 1-Hydroxy-2-phenoxyethane
  • 2-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
  • 2-phenoxyethanol
  • 2-Phenoxyethyl alcohol
  • beta-Hydroxyethyl phenyl ether
  • Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether
  • Phenoxytol
  • Phenyl cellosolve
  • Phenylmonoglycol ether
External IDs
  • FEMA NO. 4620

Pharmacology

Indication

Antimicrobial agent used as a preservative in cosmetics 4, 5, 8.

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Associated Therapies
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Pharmacodynamics

This substance has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeasts, and mold 6.

Mechanism of action

Phenoxyethanol has antibacterial properties and is effective against strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa even in the presence of 20% serum. It not as effective against Proteus vulgaris, other gram-negative organisms, and gram-positive organisms. Phenoxyethanol has been used as a preservative at a concentration of 1%. A wider spectrum of antimicrobial activity is achieved with preservative mixtures of phenoxyethanol and hydroxybenzoates. Phenoxyethanol may be used as a 2.2% solution or a 2% cream for the treatment of superficial wounds, burns, or abscesses infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In skin infection, derivatives of phenoxyethanol are used in combination with either cyclic acid or zinc undecenoate 7.

Absorption

Not Available

Volume of distribution

A pharmacokinetic study of phenoxyethanol was performed using a mass spectrometry model for simultaneous analysis of phenoxyethanol (PE) and its major metabolite, phenoxyacetic acid (PAA), in rat plasma, urine, and 7 different tissues 10.

The absolute topical bioavailability of PE was 75.4% and 76.0% for emulsion and lotion, respectively. Conversion of PE to PAA was extensive, with the average AUCPAA-to-AUCPE ratio being 4.4 and 5.3 for emulsion and lotion, respectively. The steady-state tissue-to-plasma PE concentration ratio (Kp) was higher than unity for kidney, spleen, heart, brain, and testis and was lower (0.6) for lung and liver, while the metabolite Kp ratio was higher than unity for kidney, liver, lung, and testis and was lower (0.3) for other tissues 10.

Protein binding

Not Available

Metabolism

The fate of phenoxyethanol in rats and humans has been investigated 4. The rate of intestinal absorption was rapid, with 60-70% of the excreted (14)C detected at 3 hours and > 95% of the total 4-day urinary (14)C detected within the first 24 hr. Trace amounts of radioactivity were detected in feces. Four days after dosing, only trace amounts of radioactivity remained in the carcass, primarily in the liver (< 0.2% of the dose), fat and muscle. At the 4 day point, the (14)C concentration in blood was measured to be only 0.001 4.

The major metabolite of phenoxyethanol is phenoxyacetic acid 10.

Route of elimination

The fate of phenoxyethanol in rats and humans has been investigated. More than 90% of an oral dose of 16, 27 or 160 mg/kg body weight of (2-(14)C)phenoxyethanol administered to male Colworth rats by was excreted in the urine within 24 hours of administration. A female rat also excreted about 90% of a dose of 27 mg/kg body weight in the urine within 24 hours. About 2% and 1.3% of the ingested dose was recovered from the exhaled air of female and male rats, respectively 4.

Half-life

Not Available

Clearance

Not Available

Adverse Effects
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Toxicity

LC50 oral, rat; 1980 mg/kg MSDS. LD50 Rabbit dermal 2250 mg/kg 4.

2-Phenoxyethanol (PhE) has been shown to induce hepatotoxicity, renal toxicity, and hemolysis at dosages ≥ 400 mg/kg/day in subchronic and chronic studies in multiple species 3.

The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of 2-phenoxyethanol stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic by all routes (inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact), exposure to this very faintly aromatic, colorless, oily liquid may occur from its use as a fixative for cosmetics, perfumes, and soaps; as a bactericide and insect repellant; as a solvent for cellulose acetate,dyes, stamp pad, ball point, and specialty inks; as a chemical intermediate for carboxylic acid esters (eg, acrylate, maleate) and polymers (eg, formaldehyde, melamine); and as a preservative for human specimens used for dissection and demonstrations in anatomical studies. Effects resulting from exposure to this substance can include eye irritation, headache, tremors, and central nervous system depression. If contact with the eyes occurs, irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes, and wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. 2-Phenoxyethanol must be preheated before ignition can occur 7.

Pathways
Not Available
Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
Not Available

Interactions

Drug Interactions
This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
DrugInteraction
BaclofenBaclofen may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Phenoxyethanol.
ClobazamThe risk or severity of sedation, somnolence, and CNS depression can be increased when Clobazam is combined with Phenoxyethanol.
CyclobenzaprineThe risk or severity of CNS depression can be increased when Cyclobenzaprine is combined with Phenoxyethanol.
DaridorexantThe risk or severity of CNS depression can be increased when Phenoxyethanol is combined with Daridorexant.
FluoxetinePhenoxyethanol may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Fluoxetine.
Food Interactions
No interactions found.

Products

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Over the Counter Products
NameDosageStrengthRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Cpap WipesCloth0.3 g/1001CutaneousShenzhen Shierjie Biological Engineering Co., LTD2023-08-04Not applicableUS flag
DISINFECT Wet WIPESCloth1 mg/1TopicalJiangsu Xiaolikang Medical Technology Co., Ltd.2020-03-30Not applicableUS flag
Grime Eater Lotion Soap 2.5%Soap2.5 %TopicalGrime Eater Products Ltd.1988-12-312005-06-17Canada flag
Lanohex Nettoyeur Pour LA Peau 1.7%Liquid1.7 %TopicalRougier Pharma Division Of Ratiopharm Inc1960-12-312003-09-22Canada flag
Lanohex Shp 1.7%Shampoo1.7 %TopicalRougier Pharma Division Of Ratiopharm Inc1960-12-312000-09-07Canada flag
Mixture Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
75% Alcohol WipesPhenoxyethanol (0.1938 g/51) + Benzalkonium chloride (0.0969 g/51) + Benzethonium chloride (0.0646 g/51) + Bronopol (0.0969 g/51) + Ethanol (242.25 g/51)ClothTopicalBaijieyuan Biotechnology (Shandong) Co., Ltd.2020-06-102020-06-16US flag
Acropole BleuPhenoxyethanol (.45 %) + Chloroxylenol (.15 %)JellyTopicalGroupe Parall Inc1997-10-012001-07-23Canada flag
Aiweier Alcohol WipesPhenoxyethanol (0.1938 g/201) + Benzalkonium chloride (0.0969 g/201) + Benzethonium chloride (0.0646 g/201) + Bronopol (0.0969 g/201) + Ethanol (242.25 g/201)ClothTopicalBaijieyuan Biotechnology (Shandong) Co., Ltd.2020-06-10Not applicableUS flag
Aiweier Disinfecttant WipesPhenoxyethanol (0.081 g/601) + Benzalkonium chloride (0.0405 g/601) + Benzethonium chloride (0.027 g/601) + Bronopol (0.0405 g/601) + Ethanol (101.25 g/601)ClothTopicalBaijieyuan Biotechnology (Shandong) Co., Ltd.2020-06-10Not applicableUS flag
Aiweier Disinfecttant WipesPhenoxyethanol (0.18 g/1001) + Benzalkonium chloride (0.09 g/1001) + Benzethonium chloride (0.06 g/1001) + Bronopol (0.09 g/1001) + Ethanol (225 g/1001)ClothTopicalBaijieyuan Biotechnology (Shandong) Co., Ltd.2020-06-10Not applicableUS flag
Unapproved/Other Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Cpap WipesPhenoxyethanol (0.3 g/1001)ClothCutaneousShenzhen Shierjie Biological Engineering Co., LTD2023-08-04Not applicableUS flag
DISINFECT Wet WIPESPhenoxyethanol (1 mg/1)ClothTopicalJiangsu Xiaolikang Medical Technology Co., Ltd.2020-03-30Not applicableUS flag
Disinfectant Cleaning WipesPhenoxyethanol (0.6 g/1601) + Benzalkonium chloride (0.12 g/1601) + Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (0.24 g/1601) + Ethylhexylglycerin (0.12 g/1601) + Glycerin (0.12 g/1601) + Propylene glycol (0.12 g/1601)ClothExtracorporealReynard (Ningbo) Biotechnology Co., Ltd.2020-06-12Not applicableUS flag
Disinfectant Cleaning WipesPhenoxyethanol (0.6 g/1601) + Benzalkonium chloride (0.12 g/1601) + Ethylhexylglycerin (0.12 g/1601) + Glycerin (0.12 g/1601) + Propylene glycol (0.12 g/1601)ClothExtracorporealReynard (Ningbo) Biotechnology Co., Ltd.2020-04-172020-05-29US flag
Disinfectant Cleaning WipesPhenoxyethanol (0.6 g/1601) + Benzalkonium chloride (0.12 g/1601) + Ethylhexylglycerin (0.12 g/1601) + Glycerin (0.12 g/1601) + Propylene glycol (0.12 g/1601)ClothExtracorporealReynard (Ningbo) Biotechnology Co., Ltd.2020-04-172020-05-29US flag

Categories

Drug Categories
Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
Description
This compound belongs to the class of organic compounds known as phenol ethers. These are aromatic compounds containing an ether group substituted with a benzene ring.
Kingdom
Organic compounds
Super Class
Benzenoids
Class
Phenol ethers
Sub Class
Not Available
Direct Parent
Phenol ethers
Alternative Parents
Phenoxy compounds / Alkyl aryl ethers / Primary alcohols / Hydrocarbon derivatives
Substituents
Alcohol / Alkyl aryl ether / Aromatic homomonocyclic compound / Ether / Hydrocarbon derivative / Monocyclic benzene moiety / Organic oxygen compound / Organooxygen compound / Phenol ether / Phenoxy compound
Molecular Framework
Aromatic homomonocyclic compounds
External Descriptors
aromatic ether, primary alcohol, hydroxyether (CHEBI:64275)
Affected organisms
  • Humans and other mammals

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
HIE492ZZ3T
CAS number
122-99-6
InChI Key
QCDWFXQBSFUVSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C8H10O2/c9-6-7-10-8-4-2-1-3-5-8/h1-5,9H,6-7H2
IUPAC Name
2-phenoxyethan-1-ol
SMILES

References

General References
  1. Morton WE: Occupational phenoxyethanol neurotoxicity: a report of three cases. J Occup Med. 1990 Jan;32(1):42-5. [Article]
  2. Lowe I, Southern J: The antimicrobial activity of phenoxyethanol in vaccines. Lett Appl Microbiol. 1994 Feb;18(2):115-6. [Article]
  3. Troutman JA, Rick DL, Stuard SB, Fisher J, Bartels MJ: Development of a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model of 2-phenoxyethanol and its metabolite phenoxyacetic acid in rats and humans to address toxicokinetic uncertainty in risk assessment. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2015 Nov;73(2):530-43. doi: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2015.07.012. Epub 2015 Jul 16. [Article]
  4. Phenoxyethanol [Link]
  5. Phenoxyethanol - Brumer [Link]
  6. Phenoxyethanol: A Globally-Approved Preservative [Link]
  7. Health Canada: Phenoxyethanol [Link]
  8. Opinion on Phenoxyethanol - EU Law and Publications [Link]
  9. pharmacokinetic model of 2-phenoxyethanol and its metabolite phenoxyacetic acid in rats and humans to address toxicokinetic uncertainty in risk assessment [Link]
  10. Simultaneous determination of phenoxyethanol and its major metabolite, phenoxyacetic acid, in rat biological matrices by LC–MS/MS with polarity switching: Application to ADME studies [Link]
Human Metabolome Database
HMDB0041607
PubChem Compound
31236
PubChem Substance
347827964
ChemSpider
13848467
RxNav
89552
ChEBI
64275
ChEMBL
CHEMBL1229846
ZINC
ZINC000001577061
PDBe Ligand
268
Wikipedia
Phenoxyethanol
PDB Entries
2rbr
MSDS
Download (37.8 KB)

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
Not Available
Dosage Forms
FormRouteStrength
JellyTopical
LiquidTopical
ClothCutaneous0.3 g/1001
ClothTopical1 mg/1
ClothTopical
ClothExtracorporeal
DressingTopical
SoapTopical2.5 %
PatchTopical
LiquidTopical1.7 %
ShampooTopical1.7 %
SprayTopical
GelTopical
SolutionTopical
LiquidTopical1.5 mg/100mL
SwabTopical
Prices
Not Available
Patents
Not Available

Properties

State
Liquid
Experimental Properties
PropertyValueSource
melting point (°C)13MSDS
boiling point (°C)245MSDS
water solubility24g/L at 20°CMSDS
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
Water Solubility24.1 mg/mLALOGPS
logP1.22ALOGPS
logP1.13Chemaxon
logS-0.76ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Acidic)15.1Chemaxon
pKa (Strongest Basic)-2.8Chemaxon
Physiological Charge0Chemaxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count2Chemaxon
Hydrogen Donor Count1Chemaxon
Polar Surface Area29.46 Å2Chemaxon
Rotatable Bond Count3Chemaxon
Refractivity38.81 m3·mol-1Chemaxon
Polarizability14.91 Å3Chemaxon
Number of Rings1Chemaxon
Bioavailability1Chemaxon
Rule of FiveYesChemaxon
Ghose FilterNoChemaxon
Veber's RuleYesChemaxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemaxon
Predicted ADMET Features
Not Available

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)
Not Available
Spectra
SpectrumSpectrum TypeSplash Key
Predicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MSPredicted GC-MSsplash10-0006-9200000000-7361de1cec4803e1cf4c
GC-MS Spectrum - EI-BGC-MSsplash10-0006-9100000000-b40ca28428e0018311ea
GC-MS Spectrum - EI-BGC-MSsplash10-0006-9100000000-f8c06faa8eb8d23a95c1
GC-MS Spectrum - EI-BGC-MSsplash10-0006-9100000000-7b2a4d4d9b09c7b78741
GC-MS Spectrum - EI-BGC-MSsplash10-0006-9100000000-9bb41b75d1ad646b88f0
GC-MS Spectrum - CI-BGC-MSsplash10-000i-0900000000-9421e4830e44b3388570
GC-MS Spectrum - EI-BGC-MSsplash10-0006-9000000000-f53c3891b4914dd833e8
GC-MS Spectrum - EI-BGC-MSsplash10-0006-9200000000-b5db9ef1d198ca188c7c
GC-MS Spectrum - EI-BGC-MSsplash10-0006-9100000000-ab2d6abdcb42c8020070
GC-MS Spectrum - EI-BGC-MSsplash10-0006-9000000000-480278f55ce8ffc42edb
Mass Spectrum (Electron Ionization)MSsplash10-0006-9100000000-9c2de92b427cc8e30262
1H NMR Spectrum1D NMRNot Applicable
13C NMR Spectrum1D NMRNot Applicable
Predicted 1H NMR Spectrum1D NMRNot Applicable
Predicted 13C NMR Spectrum1D NMRNot Applicable
Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
Not Available

Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:52 / Updated at January 08, 2021 01:05