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Phenoxyethanol is an ingredient in many cosmetics used as a preservative. In the same way that preservatives in food allow them to have a longer shelf life before spoiling, phenoxyethanol preserves the quality and effectiveness of some skincare ingredients that would otherwise spoil or be rendered ineffective when exposed to too much light, temperature changes, or exposure to oxygen.
Phenoxyethanol is a good ingredient in a wide variety of cosmetics and skin care products. It has been shown to have anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, which makes it a good preservative to use in skin care products to keep them from spoiling or becoming contaminated. It is also used for stabilizing skincare products without the use of parabens. This means that skin care products can include chemical ingredients that deteriorate over time or are ineffective when exposed to sunlight, temperature changes, or oxygen, because the phenoxyethanol acts as a stabilizer.
There aren’t any major drawbacks to using this ingredient. Studies have shown it to be very safe with very few people showing an adverse reaction of any kind. However, as with any topical ointment, it is possible those with sensitive skin or allergic reactions to the ingredient can experience redness, irritation, or allergic rashes from using products with this ingredient.
Pores are itsy-bitsy openings in the skin—and there are millions covering every millimeter of skin. There are two types of pores with different functions: sweat pores and oil pores. The sweat pore allows moisture, produced by sweat glands, to exude out to the surface of the skin, where it helps to cool the body in response to heat, exertion or fever. Sweat pores are so tiny, they are mostly invisible to the human eye.
The oil pore, on the other hand, is a bit larger. Oil pores are also known as hair follicles because these pores produce oil from the sebaceous glands, but they are also the openings from which hair emerges. The oils help to keep our skin and hair healthy. It is the oil pores that can get clogged with sweat, debris and other gunk, causing acne, blackheads and whiteheads. Sweat pores rarely get clogged, as they are so tiny.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent for fighting bacteria and unclogging pores. It is one of the longest-used medications to keep pores clean and healthy. Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin. Ingredients that help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase new skin cell production, such as Vitamin A/Retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, are good for keeping pores unclogged as well.
phenoxyethanol may be effective for clogged pores, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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