Is Phenoxyethanol Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding? A Clear Guide
When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, checking product labels quickly becomes second nature. One ingredient you might notice in many skincare and personal care products is phenoxyethanol—a common preservative found in lotions, wipes, and more.
So, is it safe to use while you’re expecting or nursing?
Yes, products with up to 1% phenoxyethanol are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But because research in pregnant humans is limited, it’s best to avoid it during the first trimester or on large areas of skin—and skip it entirely on or near nipples while breastfeeding.
What Is Phenoxyethanol and Why Is It Used?
Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative used in many skincare and personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. It’s commonly found in lotions, serums, cleansers, and baby wipes—especially in products labeled “paraben-free.”
Without preservatives like phenoxyethanol, products can become contaminated during use, especially those stored in jars or used frequently with fingers.
What Health Authorities Say About Phenoxyethanol Use
Phenoxyethanol has been reviewed for safety by major health bodies—but none have issued pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific limits. Here’s what they have said, and how it might apply if you’re expecting or nursing:
European Union: Safe at 1% in Cosmetics
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded in 2016 that phenoxyethanol is safe to use in cosmetic products at up to 1% when applied to healthy, unbroken skin.
While this review didn’t focus on pregnancy, the ruling covers general use by adults and children—so it’s often referenced by professionals when advising pregnant individuals.
Read the SCCS Opinion →
France: Stricter Limits for Babies—What That Could Mean for You
In 2019, ANSM (France’s health authority) recommended limiting phenoxyethanol in baby products to 0.4%, and avoiding it altogether on the diaper area. This caution is based on babies’ more absorbent skin.
While the advice targets infants, some people use it as a guide for pregnancy too—especially in the first trimester or when applying products over large areas of the body.
United States: No Set Limit, But a Nipple Cream Warning
The FDA hasn’t imposed a maximum for phenoxyethanol in cosmetics but generally considers it safe in low concentrations.
However, in 2008, the agency warned against a nipple cream containing phenoxyethanol and another chemical (chlorphenesin) after breastfed babies showed negative effects. This was due to oral ingestion, not skin use.
But it’s a good reminder to avoid using phenoxyethanol-containing products directly on or near the nipple area if you’re nursing.
What Research Says About Phenoxyethanol and Pregnancy
There isn’t a lot of research focused just on pregnant or breastfeeding women, but here’s what current studies tell us about how phenoxyethanol behaves in the body:
It’s absorbed through the skin, but leaves the body quickly
A 2024 human study showed that when phenoxyethanol is applied to the skin, about 45% is absorbed, but it’s quickly broken down and passed out in urine within 48 hours. It doesn’t stay in the body or build up over time.
Animal research finds no harm at everyday doses
A 2019 expert review of toxicology studies reported no problems with fertility, pregnancy, or baby development in animals exposed to phenoxyethanol at the amounts used in cosmetics. Adverse effects only appeared when the dose was roughly 200 × higher than real-world skin-care exposure.
A Human Study Hinted at a Delay in Getting Pregnant
One French study (PELAGIE cohort, 2013) found that women with higher urinary levels of a phenoxyethanol byproduct took slightly longer to conceive. However, this result is weak and hasn’t been confirmed in follow-up research.
What this means for you:
Phenoxyethanol does get into your body through the skin, but your body breaks it down and gets rid of it quickly. Studies in animals show no harm, and there’s no strong evidence of risk in humans. Still, because research in pregnant women is limited, using a little extra caution—especially early in pregnancy—is a smart move.
Trimester-by-Trimester Check-In
First Trimester (Weeks 0-12)
This is the “better-safe-than-sorry” window while organs are forming. Keep using your regular rinse-off items—face wash, shower gel, shampoo—even if they contain phenoxyethanol, because contact time is short. Swap any leave-on body lotions, belly oils, or creams for phenoxyethanol-free versions.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27)
By now, baby’s major organs are set and studies show phenoxyethanol leaves your body quickly. If you like a face serum or hand cream that’s under 1 %, keep using it. For full-body lotions, decide how cautious you want to be—phenoxy-free is optional, not mandatory.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40)
Comfort rules. Stay with products your skin already tolerates; just make sure any new additions list phenoxyethanol at 1 % or less and patch-test first.
Possible Side-Effects (and How to Patch-Test)
Most people use phenoxyethanol without any trouble, but two issues can pop up:
| What can happen? | How common? | How it looks/feels | Key evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild irritation | Uncommon | Temporary stinging or redness, usually when the product also contains other actives (acids, retinoids). | 2019 safety review calls phenoxyethanol “one of the most well-tolerated preservatives” in cosmetics. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare (< 1 % of patch-test patients) | Itchy, red, sometimes blistering rash that shows up 24-48 h after use. | 2022 case report of hand eczema confirms allergy is possible but unusual. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov |
Quick Patch-Test Guide
- Dab a pea-size amount of the product on the inside of your forearm.
- Leave it on and keep the spot dry for 24 hours.
- If there’s no redness or itch, you’re good to go. If irritation appears, wash it off and choose a phenoxy-free alternative.
In short, reactions are rare, but a one-day patch test offers easy peace of mind—especially when you’re pregnant or nursing.
Using Phenoxyethanol While Breastfeeding
Phenoxyethanol in skincare is generally considered safe while breastfeeding—as long as you’re not applying it directly to the nipple area. When used on intact skin at up to 1%, only small amounts are absorbed, and they don’t significantly enter breast milk.
To stay on the safe side, avoid using leave-on products with phenoxyethanol near your chest, and wipe off any residue before feeding. For nipple care, stick to plain lanolin or a phenoxy-free balm.
Why the FDA Warned About a Nipple Cream
In 2008, the FDA issued a warning about “Mommy’s Bliss Nipple Cream” after babies experienced drowsiness, poor feeding, and slowed breathing. The product contained phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin, and the issue was caused by babies ingesting the cream, not from it being used on the skin.
This was a rare case, but it highlights the importance of not using products with preservatives directly on areas where baby feeds.
Final Thoughts
Phenoxyethanol at up to 1% is widely considered safe in skincare, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But if you’re unsure or just prefer to play it safe—especially in the first trimester or when nursing—it’s easy to switch to a phenoxy-free option. When in doubt, check with your doctor or midwife to feel confident in your choice.
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