Phenoxyethanol (EGPhE for short) is a preservative of the family of glycol ethers used in particular in shampoos, toothpastes, makeup removers and others wipes. It carries risks of toxicity which, according to the Medicines Agency, justifies precautionary measures, in particular for babies.
A reassessment of the risks requested
Last May, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) published a report on the risks associated with the use of phenoxyethanol in cosmetic products. Following this report, the Agency wished to renew its recommendations in November. It recommends “for children under 3 years old, not to use phenoxyethanol in cosmetic products intended for the seat and to restrict the concentration of this substance in all other types of products to 0.4% instead of 1%. currently”.
Phenoxyethanol has the ability to enter the body through the skin. Its absorption is all the greater as the product is not rinsed as in the case of baby wipes. The side effects short term seem limited, but a mystery hangs over its long term risks. This preservative “is not irritating to the skin or sensitizing, but causes moderate to severe eye irritation. It does not appear to exhibit genotoxic potential but is suspected of being toxic to reproduction and development at high doses in the animal “, reveals the ANSM. The Agency has sent its report to the European Commission so that the European Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (CSSC) can be referred for a new evaluation of this substance.
The list of wipes in question
Despite this opinion, the magazine 60 million consumers discovered that many brands – including some very well known – continue to sell baby wipes containing phenoxyethanol. Indeed, this is only a recommendation. No brand is obliged to remove their products containing this preservative from the shelves, especially since no complaint has been filed.
Here is the list of baby wipes containing phenoxyethanol compiled by the magazine 60 million consumers in its March issue:
– Auchan baby with fragrance-free cleansing milk for sensitive skin with extracts of sweet almond and honey
– Carrefour baby sensitive 0% paraben and perfume
– Nivea baby Soft & Cream
– Baby mixa with cleansing water
– Baby mixa with cleansing milk
– Repère brand E.Leclerc, Words of children, ultra soft Aloe Vera Sweet almond oil
– Pampers baby wipes
– Pampers sensitive
– Pampers sensitive maximum care
– Pampers simply clean
– Top budget Baby
