Phenoxyethanol is a nature-identical, oily, colorless compound with a mild fruity scent. It is an ester of phenol ether and ethylene glycol. Although phenol ether occurs naturally in chicory and green tea, it is synthetically produced in the lab to mimic the natural product. Phenoxyethanol functions as a preservative; it is paraben and formaldehyde-free. It is safe, non-toxic, non-irritating, and generally well-tolerated by the skin. It is COSMOS certified for use in natural products. Phenoxyethanol tolerates heat and is effective in a wide pH range.