With thousands of skincare products in the market, it can be quite a challenge to keep up every new release, let alone the ingredients in those products.
But it’s no secret that several of our former go-to selections come with a list of ingredients that are otherwise dangerous and can leave our skin vulnerable to sun damage, dryness, and spotty coverage.
One of the ingredients that is highly debated for its safety (or lack thereof) is a synthetic chemical called Phenoxyethanol. Chances are, you may already have a cabinet full of products that are infused with this ingredient in your home.
In this article, we want to learn about whether or not this ingredient is safe, and why it is included in skincare products. Further, we want to help you in selecting an ideal Phenoxyethanol-free moisturizer.
What is Phenoxyethanol?
This is a preservative that is used in many cosmetics as well as skincare products, mostly as a preservative or stabilizer for other ingredients that might otherwise spoil, or become less effective in a shorter time.
This chemical is also used in other industries, where it is infused in other products such as vaccines and textiles.
What cosmetics is it found in?
Phenoxyethanol can be found in a wide range of cosmetic, personal care and hygiene products, such as:
- Foundation
- Hand sanitizer
- Lipstick
- Make-up
- Perfume
- Soaps (Bar and liquid)
- Ultrasound gel
Is Phenoxyethanol safe?
Phenoxyethanol is not safe when it has been used in large quantities. An expert review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) in 1990 showed that Phenoxyethanol is safe when applied in concentrations of 1 percent or lower.
Later in 2007, they confirmed that it’s safe for adults to use topically in very low concentrations.
This chemical has been approved by the FDA currently to be used in cosmetic products, but only as an indirect food additive.
While it may be safe in small quantities, using several products all containing a low dose could result in overexposure, leaving your skin vulnerable.
Top 10 Phenoxyethanol-free tinted moisturizer
Because of the effects it could have on your skin, it’s better to avoid Phenoxyethanol products. Here’s a look at our top 10 list of Phenoxyethanol-free tinted moisturizers.
1) Coola Mineral Face SPF 30.
The first moisturizer on our list is the Coola Mineral Face, which comes with an SPF of 30 to shield you from the sun’s UV rays. Coming at a price of $36, the mineral face moisturizer is an affordable product.
There are so many reasons to love this product, the first one being that it has a lightweight formula. This means the product gets absorbed into the skin easily, without clogging your skin pores.
According to reviews, the Coola provides a matte finish that leaves your skin smooth and comfortable, even with blistering temps. It can provide your skin with coverage for about 6 hours. On top of that, this multipurpose moisturizer can also be used as a primer.
As if that’s not enough, the Coola was infused with rose hip oil as Shea butter, both of which work to keep your skin hydrated.
Lastly, the Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 has a water-resistant formula that can hold for up to 40 minutes.
2) First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30.
Next up, we have the Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer by First Aid Beauty. This moisturizer includes SPF 30 protection and provides up to 12 hours of hydration.
Besides that, the Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum moisturizer leaves a natural finish while reducing the appearance of imperfections. In the end, you are left with a smoother and more vibrant skin.
Formulated with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, the product provides your skin with the nourishment that it needs. Furthermore, it is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and of course Phenoxyethanol.Above all, this tinted moisturizer is suitable for all skin types.
3) Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation.
The Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation is an ideal choice for people that need maximum coverage. This foundation covers all your facial imperfections, leaving you with a flawless and even-toned skin.
To provide the best nourishment to your skin, this moisturizer is infused with avocado oil, green tea seed oil, as well as rosehip seed oil.
Most of all, the Kosas face oil is cruelty-free, and is perfect for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types.
4) Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer Tinted SPF 47 Protect + Perfect.
If you need a moisturizer that will protect their skin from sun damage with the highest SPF, then you’ll love this next product by Josie Maran.
This tinted moisturizer comes with an SPF of 47, which is enough to protect you from the sun’s age-accelerating rays.
Besides shielding you from the sun, this moisturizer boosts your skin’s natural warmth and radiance. Furthermore, the product is formulated with 100% unadulterated argan oil.
5) Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen.
Offering a medium to full coverage, we have the BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer, which was made by Tarte, one of the most recognized brand in skincare.
The best part is the product’s multi-purposes. The Tarte can be used as a primer, a moisturizer, skin tone corrector, anti-ageing treatment, and sunscreen (SPF 30). That said, it is Tarte’s finest product so far.
And its results are just as good as they are explained on paper (as well as this post). This product has left many users happy, and wanting more.
Lastly, it is very easy to use. Plus, it blends perfectly with other products. Its formula is free of parabens and phthalates, and it can provide a coverage that can last at least 12 hours.
6) Origins GinZing SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer.
Furthermore, we have the Origins GinZing SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer. This is a multi-tasking moisturizer that hydrates your skin while enhancing its radiance.
Made in the USA, the Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer is formulated with coffee beans as well as panax ginseng. To get the best from this moisturizer, it is best to apply it during your morning skin routine.
7) W3ll People Bio Tint Multi-action Moisturizer.
This next product has been verified by the EWG for non-toxic health and safety, and believe me, nothing says safe like a EWG verification.
This is the W3ll People Bio Tint Multi-action Moisturizer.This moisturizer is infused with active phytonutrients and pure zinc, two plant-based forces that work to protect, brighten and maintain your skin’s hydration while your skin’s overall quality
Also, it takes care of your imperfections, leaving you with an even-looking, flawless skin. In addition to that, the W3ll People Bio Tint Multi-action Moisturizer is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and noncomedogenic.
8) First Aid Beauty Hello FAB Triple Protection Skin Tint with Goji Berry SPF 30.
Next up, we have the Hello FAB Triple Protection Skin Tint with Goji Berry, another product from First Aid Beauty.
With an SPF of 30, this product is perfect for protecting your skin against sun. Also, its maximum coverage works to protects you from pollution, and environmental aggressors.
Most users love this product because its formula is 100% vegan and Free of parabens, sulfates, as well as phthalates. Also, it is very to apply on your skin.
9) Supergoop! CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35+ Sunscreen.
Another Phenoxyethanol-free moisturizer is the CC Cream Daily Correct Broad Spectrum SPF 35+ Sunscreen by Supergoop!
This moisturizer has an SPF of 35, which actively works to protect you from the sun’s rays. In the long run, it reduces the apparition of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores.
It offers a great medium to full coverage that (if I may add) doesn’t weigh the skin down. Lastly, this tinted moisturizer is free of parabens, fragrance and petrochemicals
10) Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Cream.
Last but not least, let’s talk about the Physicians Formula Organic Wear Origin CC Cream. Besides hydrating your skin, this product offers color-correcting properties that work to balance your skin tone while blurring imperfections to improve your own natural radiance.
Unlike other products, the Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Cream is ideal for sensitive skin.
Approved by dermatologists, the moisturizer is free of fragrances, gluten, and parabens. All this for a ridiculously low price of $9? If you are on a lower budget, you will certainly afford it.
Conclusion
In closing, Phenoxyethanol is safer when used in small amounts. But, you should avoid this chemical if you’re allergic to it, pregnant or breastfeeding.
On top of that, this chemical must never be used on a child who is under 3-years old. In these cases, the risks certainly outweigh the benefits, so you should avoid the chemical at all costs.
And as I said before, layering different products that have Phenoxyethanol, even in small doses, can lead to a skin condition caused by over exposure.
But prevention is always better than cure, so it would be best to stay away from products that contain Phenoxyethanol. The top 10 Phenoxyethanol-free moisturizers list is a great place to start.
