Phenoxyethanol: what it is in skincare

A widely used preservative that helps keep a product free of bacteria and mold so it stays safe to use over time.

What it does

Function: preservative. Preservatives keep water-based formulas safe from microbial growth. Modern, well-tolerated systems are why your essence stays safe for months.

How to spot it on a label

On a Korean product's INCI list, look for Phenoxyethanol. Ingredients are listed high-to-low by amount, so its position hints at how much is in the formula. See all preservatives →

✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed 2026-06-21.

General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.