Can 2-phenoxyethanol be used as a preservative? How safe is it?

2-phenoxyethanol is a colorless or straw-colored oily liquid with slight solubility in water, it is used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations at a maximum concentration of 1.0%. It is a broad spectrum preservative which has excellent activity against a wide range of Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, yeast and mould. It is also used as a solvent and, because of its properties as a solvent, it is used in many blends and mixtures with other preservatives. 2-Phenoxyethanol is not registered as a food additive in the EU. The use of 2-phenoxyethanol can elicit several side effects, such as decreased respiratory and heart rate, reduced blood pressure and blood oxygenation, alterations of blood parameters, and elevated plasma levels of adrenaline, glucose and cortisol as shown in bighead carp. In addition, sustained and prolonged exposure to 2-phenoxyethanol can cause a neuropsychological syndrome in handlers.

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