I have read that this ingredient is harmful and is regulated in Europe, but not in the US or Canada. It also causes a moderately severe reaction to those allergic to it. I'm curious as to why you site classifies as a low irritant?
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Abstract
Phenoxyethanol, or 2-phenoxyethanol, has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and has been widely used as a preservative in cosmetic products for decades. It is effective against various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as against yeasts, and has only a weak inhibitory effect on resident skin flora. According to the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, phenoxyethanol is safe for all consumers - including children of all ages - when used as a preservative in cosmetic products at a maximum concentration of 1%. Adverse systemic effects have been observed in toxicological studies on animals but only when the levels of exposure were many magnitudes higher (around 200-fold higher) than those to which consumers are exposed when using phenoxyethanol-containing cosmetic products. Despite its widespread use in cosmetic products, phenoxyethanol is a rare sensitizer. It can be considered as one of the most well-tolerated preservatives used in cosmetic products.
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Hi đź‘‹
From the European Chemicals Agency:
“2-Phenoxyethanol is not mutagenic, carcinogenic or a reproductive toxicant. There is no evidence that it is neurotoxic or immunotoxic. An assessment of endocrine disruptor activity as defined in Regulation (EU) No 2017/2100 has not been conducted… However, there was no evidence of specific effects on endocrine tissues and organs. (ECHA, 2018)