phenoxyethanol

CAS
122-99-6
CosIng ID
36522
Functions
Preservative, Antimicrobial

Regions

MarketStatusLimitRuleSource
European UnionRestricted≤ 1%Annex V, entry 29 (max 1.0%)Source
United StatesRestricted≤ 1%CIR 2011: safe ≤1.0%; FDA advisory flag for infant productsSource
South KoreaRestricted≤ 1%MFDS preservative limit ≤1.0%Source
JapanRestricted≤ 1%MHLW positive list (preservatives) ≤1.0%Source
ChinaRestricted≤ 1%NMPA restricted list ≤1.0%Source
United KingdomNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with OPSS — UK Cosmetics Regulation.
CanadaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Health Canada — Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.
AustraliaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with AICIS / TGA.
IndiaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with CDSCO / BIS — IS 4707.
BrazilNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with ANVISA — RDC resolutions.
MexicoNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with COFEPRIS.
ASEANNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with ASEAN Cosmetic Directive — Annexes.
California (US)No entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with OEHHA Prop 65 · AB-2771 (PFAS).
Washington State (US)No entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (HB 1047).

Retailer standards

RetailerStatusNoteSource
Clean at SephoraFlaggedListed on Sephora Clean ingredient watchlistSource
Conscious Beauty at UltaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Ulta Beauty made-without list.
Target CleanNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Target Clean icon ingredient criteria.
Amazon listing complianceFlaggedExcluded from Amazon Aware Clean Beauty badgeSource
Credo Clean StandardNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with The Credo Clean Standard dirty list.
Whole Foods Body CareNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Whole Foods Market body-care quality standards.
Whole Foods Premium Body CareNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Whole Foods Market premium body-care standards.
Walmart Sustainable ChemistryNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Walmart sustainable chemistry commitment.
Walmart Made Without ListBannedOn Walmart's Made Without List for Beauty (main list, January 2023), published as "Phenoxyethanol" (CAS 122-99-6); matched to the INCI name "phenoxyethanol" via the CosIng CAS index. Products carrying the Clean Beauty at Walmart badge are formulated without it.Source
CVS store-brand chemicals policyNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with CVS Health chemicals of concern policy.
Costco vendor complianceNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Costco wholesale vendor requirements.
Douglas clean criteriaNo entry in our compiled ruleset — verify with Douglas (EU) clean beauty criteria.
The Detox Market banned listRestrictedOn The Detox Market's published banned-ingredients list, but scoped by the retailer's own heading to "formulations using >1%". Stated concern: Organ Toxicity/Irritation. Formulations at or below 1% are not excluded by this entry.Source

2026-07-21 · Compiled from cited primary sources. Informational only — not legal advice.

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