2-Phenoxyethanol
A high-purity glycol ether manufactured for preservative, solvent, and formulation applications across personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial coatings sectors.
What is 2-Phenoxyethanol?
2-Phenoxyethanol is a colourless, oily glycol ether formed from the reaction of phenol and ethylene oxide. It combines the aromatic stability of a phenyl ring with the mild solvency and humectant behaviour of an ethylene glycol chain, giving it a rare balance of preservative strength and low irritation potential.
At Chelora Chemicals, 2-Phenoxyethanol is manufactured under controlled reaction conditions and refined to a consistent, pharmacopoeia-grade purity, making it suitable for use in cosmetic preservation, pharmaceutical excipients, ink and dye formulation, and as a stabilising solvent in industrial blends.
It is valued for being effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and yeasts at low usage levels, while remaining chemically stable across a wide pH and temperature range — a key reason formulators choose it over harsher, single-function preservatives.
- Appearance
- Colourless to pale yellow liquid
- Odour
- Faint, rose-like
- Solubility
- Miscible in water & alcohols
- Function
- Preservative / solvent
- Grade
- Cosmetic & industrial
Formula diagram
Phenyl group bonded to a glycol ether chain
- Molecular formulaC8H10O2
- Molecular weight138.16 g/mol
- IUPAC name2-Phenoxyethan-1-ol
- Functional groupsAryl ether, primary alcohol
- CAS number122-99-6
Technical product information
Standard specification for Chelora Chemicals' cosmetic and industrial grade 2-Phenoxyethanol. Custom-grade and bulk specifications available on request.
| Chemical name | 2-Phenoxyethanol |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 122-99-6 |
| Molecular formula | C8H10O2 |
| Molecular weight | 138.16 g/mol |
| Assay (purity) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid |
| Density (20°C) | 1.102–1.108 g/cm³ |
| Boiling point | 245°C |
| Flash point | 124°C (closed cup) |
| Water content | ≤ 0.3% |
| Packaging | 25 kg carboys, 200 kg drums, IBC tote |
| Shelf life | 24 months from date of manufacture |
Applications of 2-Phenoxyethanol
Cosmetics & personal care
Preservative in creams, lotions, shampoos, and wipes, protecting formulations against bacterial and fungal growth.
Pharmaceutical formulation
Used as an excipient and antimicrobial preservative in topical and injectable pharmaceutical preparations.
Inks & dyes
Acts as a slow-evaporating solvent that improves flow and print quality in inkjet and textile dye formulations.
Vaccine & lab reagents
Applied as a preservative and anaesthetic agent in select veterinary and laboratory biological preparations.
Industrial coatings
Functions as a coalescing solvent in resins, paints, and coatings to improve film formation and stability.
Adhesives & polymers
Improves viscosity control and shelf stability in specialty adhesive and polymer emulsion systems.
Why choose Chelora Chemicals
Every batch of 2-Phenoxyethanol is manufactured, tested, and documented to a standard that formulators can build on with confidence — from first sample to full production volume.
Consistent purity
Batch-to-batch assay control at ≥99%, verified before dispatch.
Full documentation
COA, MSDS, and regulatory data supplied with every shipment.
Flexible volumes
From lab-scale samples to bulk IBC and tanker supply.
Technical support
Formulation and compliance guidance from our chemistry team.
Storage and guidelines
- 01Store in tightly sealed original containers, away from direct sunlight.
- 02Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area between 15°C and 25°C.
- 03Avoid contact with strong oxidising agents and open flame.
- 04Use compatible containers — high-density polyethylene, glass, or lined steel.
- 05Re-seal containers promptly after use to prevent moisture uptake.
Handling precautions
Use appropriate PPE — gloves and safety eyewear — when handling in concentrated form.
Ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed work areas during large-volume transfer.
Refer to the full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for exposure limits, spill response, and first-aid measures before use.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2-Phenoxyethanol safe for cosmetic use?
Yes. It is widely approved as a cosmetic preservative at regulated usage levels, typically up to 1%, and is recognised by major regulatory bodies for use in leave-on and rinse-off products.
What is the recommended usage concentration?
Usage levels depend on the application, but for cosmetic preservation the typical range is 0.5%–1.0% of total formulation weight. Refer to the product datasheet for application-specific guidance.
Is it soluble in water?
2-Phenoxyethanol is miscible with water and most common organic solvents, including ethanol and glycols, making it easy to incorporate into aqueous and hydro-alcoholic formulations.
What packaging sizes are available?
Chelora Chemicals supplies 2-Phenoxyethanol in 25 kg carboys, 200 kg drums, and bulk IBC totes, with custom packaging available for large-volume orders.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis?
Yes, every batch is dispatched with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) confirming purity, physical properties, and handling information.