Phenoxyethanol

CAS Number:

122-99-6

Chem/IUPAC Name: 

Phenoxyethanol (2-Phenoxyethanol)

Primary Function:

 Broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics and consumer products.

Molecular Formula:

C8H10O2

Primary Applications & Uses:

Primarily used as a preservative in:

· Cosmetics & Personal Care: Moisturizers, shampoos, sunscreens, baby products (wipes, lotions).

· Household Products: Liquid detergents, air fresheners.

· Industrial Applications: Metalworking fluids, paper processing, disinfectant formulations.

What does Phenoxyethanol (2-Phenoxyethanol) do in a formulation?

• Preservative: Prevents the growth of bacteria (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative) and fungi.
• Stabilizer: Used to stabilize fragrances in perfumes and soaps

HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Classification of the substance or mixture NFPA 704 diamond

• Classification :

1.  H302 – Acute Toxicity Category 4
2. H318 – Eye Damage Category 1
3.  H335 – Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure Category 3

• SIGNAL WORD: WARNING
• Hazard statement(s) :

1. H302:Harmful if swallowed
2. H318:Causes serious eye damage. 
3. H335: May cause respiratory irritation

• Precautionary statement(s) Prevention:

1. P264 :Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
2. P270 :Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
3. P280: Wear eye protection/face protection
4. P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/ vapours/spray
5.  P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area

• Precautionary statement(s) Response

1. P330 :Rinse mouth
2. P301+P312IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/physician/first aider/if you feel unwell
3. P305+P351+P338 :  IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing
4. P310 : Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/physician/first aider
5. P304+P340 : IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing
6. P312 : Call a POISON CENTRE/doctor/…if you feel unwell

• Precautionary statement(s) Storage

1. P403+P233 :Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed
2. P405 : Store locked up

• Precautionary statement(s) Disposal

1. P501 : Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.

COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

FIRST AID MEASURES

Description of first aid measures:

• Eye Contact : If this product comes in contact with the eyes: Wash out immediately with fresh running water. Ensure complete irrigation of the eye by keeping eyelids apart and away from eye and moving the eyelids by occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids.  Seek medical attention without delay; if pain persists or recurs seek medical attention. Removal of contact lenses after an eye injury should only be undertaken by skilled personnel
• Skin Contact: If skin contact occurs: Immediately remove all contaminated clothing, including footwear. Flush skin and hair with running water (and soap if available). Seek medical attention in event of irritation
• Inhalation: If fumes, aerosols or combustion products are inhaled remove from contaminated area. Other measures are usually unnecessary
• Ingestion : 

1. IF SWALLOWED, REFER FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION, WHERE POSSIBLE, WITHOUT DELAY.
2. For advice, contact a Poisons Information Centre or a doctor. Urgent hospital treatment is likely to be needed.
3. In the mean time, qualified first-aid personnel should treat the patient following observation and employing supportive measures as indicated by the patient's condition. If the services of a medical officer or medical doctor are readily available, the patient should be placed in his/her care and a copy of the SDS should be provided. Further action will be the responsibility of the medical specialist. If medical attention is not available on the worksite or surroundings send the patient to a hospital together with a copy of the SDS.

Where medical attention is not immediately available or where the patient is more than 15 minutes from a hospital or unless instructed otherwise:

INDUCE vomiting with fingers down the back of the throat, ONLY IF CONSCIOUS. Lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain open airway and prevent aspiration. NOTE: Wear a protective glove when inducing vomiting by mechanical means.

FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

• Extinguishing media:

1. Water spray or fog.
2. Foam. 
3. Dry chemical powder.
4.   BCF (where regulations permit).
5. Carbon dioxide.

• Special hazards arising from the substrate or mixture