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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.
People may refer to their skin tone as uneven if they have patches or blotches of hyperpigmentation (darker or lighter patches) or redness across their face. This might include red streaks across the forehead, the tip of the nose and cheeks. It could also refer to age spots or sunspots, acne scars, or patches of dull and lifeless looking skin from aging or UV damage. Overly dry skin can cause damage to the follicles and production of collagen and sebum, which can cause the skin to appear duller or ashy.
To brighten the skin and provide a more even skin tone, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging, which can cause dark spots and make acne scarring worse. Ingredients and nutrients like vitamin C, rumex, arbutin, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, alpha-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for evening out the complexion.
Since sun damage is the leading cause for uneven skin tone, it is important to wear sunscreen daily in combination with brightening ingredients.
phenoxyethanol may be effective for uneven skin tone, 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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