This is my first post on here, I've been reading this forum for about a year now since I found it last October and have loved the discussions and stories that everyone posts. It has been a huge resource for me and regaining my health. I'm very interested in skin care products and how they can help/harm skin health and overall health.
So, my question is if anyone knows anything about Phenoxyethanol safety? I'm currently formulating a skincare product that is water-based, hydrosol + glycerin hydrating toner for the body with some extracts added to it. The chemist I'm working with recommends using Phenoxyethanol in combination with Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate for the preservatives. Everything I find online is conflicting and I haven't had the time/knowledge to go through studies to make up my mind about it.
Some concerns that I've read online are that Phenoxyethanol, being an ethoxylated ingredient, can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide which are known to be carcinogenic and toxic. The chemist assured me that Phenoxyethanol used in skincare is purified and regulated so that there aren't these contaminates.
Other concerns are that Phenoxyethanol can affect nervous system function and cause allergic reactions. But most "natural"/"health" brands use it as the preservative for their water-based products. So, I'm confused and unsure whether I should bother reformulating or just keep the preservatives as is.
If you know anything about topical preservatives or someone who can point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.
So, my question is if anyone knows anything about Phenoxyethanol safety? I'm currently formulating a skincare product that is water-based, hydrosol + glycerin hydrating toner for the body with some extracts added to it. The chemist I'm working with recommends using Phenoxyethanol in combination with Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate for the preservatives. Everything I find online is conflicting and I haven't had the time/knowledge to go through studies to make up my mind about it.
Some concerns that I've read online are that Phenoxyethanol, being an ethoxylated ingredient, can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide which are known to be carcinogenic and toxic. The chemist assured me that Phenoxyethanol used in skincare is purified and regulated so that there aren't these contaminates.
Other concerns are that Phenoxyethanol can affect nervous system function and cause allergic reactions. But most "natural"/"health" brands use it as the preservative for their water-based products. So, I'm confused and unsure whether I should bother reformulating or just keep the preservatives as is.
If you know anything about topical preservatives or someone who can point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.