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Phenylpropanol

What Phenylpropanol is & what it does

A gentle, aromatic preservative and solvent that protects formulas and adds a light scent. It is often used in natural-leaning preservative blends.

What is Phenylpropanol and what does it do in sunscreen?

Phenylpropanol is a gentle, aromatic preservative and solvent. In a sunscreen it helps keep the formula free from microbial growth and can also act as a solvent and add a light, pleasant scent. It is often chosen for natural-leaning preservative blends where a milder system is wanted.

Is Phenylpropanol safe?

Yes, at the low levels used in cosmetics it is considered safe and well tolerated. It is a mild aromatic alcohol used mainly to protect the product and as a solvent. As with any aromatic ingredient, a small number of people with very reactive skin may prefer to patch test, but it is not a common irritant.

Is Phenylpropanol a preservative?

Yes. Phenylpropanol works as a preservative, helping prevent bacteria, mold, and yeast from spoiling the formula. It also doubles as a solvent and contributes a light scent. It is frequently paired with other gentle preservatives in natural-leaning blends rather than used entirely on its own.

Does Phenylpropanol clog pores?

Generally no. It is not flagged as comedogenic in our data, and it is used in tiny amounts as a preservative and solvent rather than as an oil or wax. It is very unlikely to be the cause of clogged pores or breakouts.

Is Phenylpropanol a fragrance?

Not exactly. Its main job is to preserve and to act as a solvent, but because it is an aromatic alcohol it does carry a light natural scent and can support a formula's fragrance. If you are sensitive to scented products, note that it has a mild aroma, though it is not added purely as a perfume.

Sunscreens with Phenylpropanol

We rate 132 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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