Phenoxyethanol
Skim through
What it does: preservative
The science
Phenoxyethanol is a glycol ether. Glycol Ethers are solvents that have both an ether and alcohol functional group in the same molecule. Phenoxyethanol is naturally occuring in green tea but is usually chemically created in labs for commercial use.
Phenoxyethanol is commonly used as a preservative in cosmetic and hair products to limit the growth of bacteria. It is also known to be a stabilizer, a solvent and an antimicrobial ingredient. It has an oily, slightly sticky liquid consistency, with a faint rose-like scent.
Benefits for your hair
Prevents contamination of products
It has antimicrobial properties so it is very effective in preventing the growth of various kinds of bacteria, fungi and yeast in hair care products.
Acts as a stabilizer
Phenoxyethanol does not react with other ingredients in the formula and adds stability to the formula.
TLDR
Phenoxyethanol is a safe and gentle preservative found in cosmetics and hair care products. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungus.