The Truth About Phenoxyethanol: Why You Should Think Twice Before Using It
In today's world, where the quest for effective yet safe skincare and cosmetic products is ever-present, it's crucial to take a closer look at the ingredients that go into these items. One such ingredient that has been raising concerns is phenoxyethanol. Despite its widespread use in personal care products and its branding as a safe and natural preservative, there is increasing evidence suggesting that it may not be as harmless as it seems. Let's delve into what phenoxyethanol is, how it's made, its health effects, and why it's drawing attention for all the wrong reasons.
Table of Contents
- What is Phenoxyethanol and How is it Used?
- Is Phenoxyethanol Made From Carcinogenic ingredients?
- The Truth About It's Effect on health
What is Phenoxyethanol and How is it Used?
Phenoxyethanol can be found naturally in green tea. However, the commercial use of phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative made in a lab and is commonly found in cosmetics and skincare products. Its primary function is to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold, extending the shelf life of various personal care items. You will often spot it listed among the ingredients of naturally branded products such as:
- Shampoos
- Body Washes
- Deodorants
- Conditioners
- Creams
- Lotions and moisturizers
- Hand sanitizers
If you are looking for phenoxyethanol in your products. It can be listed on ingredient labels under various names, such as:
- Phenoxyethanol
- 2-Phenoxyethanol
- Ethylene Glycol Mono-phenyl Ether
- PhE
- Euxyl K 400
Is Phenoxyethanol Made From Carcinogenic Ingredients?
To understand the origins of phenoxyethanol, we need to look at its components. It's created through a chemical reaction known as ethoxylation. In simple terms, it involves treating phenol, a compound derived from petroleum, with ethylene oxide, a flammable gas (ethylene oxide is classified as a known human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA). This process yields phenoxyethanol but can also unintentionally lead to the formation of 1,4-dioxane, a concerning byproduct.
1,4-dioxane is classified as a likely human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Toxicology Program considers it a known animal carcinogen. It's a contaminant that can be present in products containing phenoxyethanol due to the ethoxylation process. Exposure to 1,4-dioxane has been linked to adverse health effects, including cancer and organ toxicity. Thus, the presence of this compound raises serious concerns about the safety of products containing phenoxyethanol.
Because of the use of the ingredient phenol, which is derived from petroleum, it makes phenoxyethanol a petrochemical. This is very concerning because soap products are intended for prolonged contact with the skin. Research indicates that prolonged exposure to petrochemicals in personal care products, including soap, can disrupt the skin's natural barrier function and contribute to skin sensitization. Studies conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that petrochemicals have the potential to penetrate the skin and accumulate in the body over time.
The Truth About Its Effect on Health
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: why is phenoxyethanol considered bad? Several factors contribute to its questionable reputation.
Carcinogenic Origins
One of the scariest parts of phenoxyethanol is its carcinogenic origins. It is created using a known ingredient that is proven to cause cancer in humans called ethylene oxide. Furthermore, the presence of 1,4-dioxane adds another layer of concern because this compound is a likely human carcinogen, posing serious health risks to consumers. In a new, computerized assessment of ingredients in 15,000 cosmetics and other personal care products, Environmental Working Group (EWG) researchers found that 22 percent of all products may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.
Endocrine Disruptor and Its Effect on Testosterone
A very alarming aspect of phenoxyethanol, especially for men, is its potential to disrupt the endocrine system. This vital regulatory system governs hormone production and balance within the body. Research suggests that phenoxyethanol may interfere with hormonal function, potentially leading to adverse health effects.
Evidence from scientific research, including studies referenced by the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), indicates a link between phenoxyethanol exposure and endocrine disruption and has highlighted its ability to mimic estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, disrupting the delicate hormonal equilibrium in both men and women. This disruption can cause a decrease in testosterone levels and can lead to a range of health issues, including reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and decreased muscle mass and strength.
Studies also suggest that repeated exposure causes developmental toxicity and has adverse effects on the blood, the liver, and fertility.
Shrunken Testicles: Do we have your full attention now?
Phenoxyethanol is also part of the glycol ether family; they are common solvents in paint, brake fluid, and cosmetics. When rats were exposed to different glycol ethers, they found a possible side effect was that the rats' testicles shrunk. Worried? The European Union also states that some of these chemicals “may damage fertility or the unborn child.”
Petrochemical
As mentioned, petrochemicals in soap, such as phenoxyethanol, can penetrate the skin and accumulate in the body over time. When petrochemicals are in the body, they can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues, which is why phenoxyethanol is an endocrine disruptor. They may also contribute to the development of allergies, respiratory problems, and skin disorders. One of the most alarming aspects of petrochemicals is that they have also been linked to more serious health conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders.
In conclusion, while phenoxyethanol may seem like and be branded as a harmless ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products, a closer examination reveals many potential risks associated with its use. From its role as an endocrine disruptor to the use and formation of carcinogenic ingredients, there are valid reasons to reconsider its inclusion in personal care formulations. This is why we go to extreme lengths to find only the highest-quality ingredients for our customers and ourselves, meaning you will never find phenoxyethanol in any Happy Lad product.
Remember, your skin is your body's largest organ and deserves the best, so choose wisely and stay feeling young lads.
Sources
Environmental Protection Agency. n.d. https://www.epa.gov/.
Environmental Working Group. n.d. https://www.ewg.org/.
Environmental Working Group. "EWG Research Shows 22 Percent of All Cosmetics May Be Contaminated with Cancer-Causing Impurity." n.d. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/ewg-research-shows-22-percent-all-cosmetics-may-be-contaminated-cancer.
European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. "Opinion on Phenoxyethanol." n.d. https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/consumer_safety/docs/sccs_o_195.pdf.
Minnesota Department of Health. "Guidance for Drinking Water Quality Management: 1,4-Dioxane." n.d. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/risk/docs/guidance/dwec/dioxaneinfo.pdf.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. n.d. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/.
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