Phenoxyethanol is a commonly used preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. It is known to have impurities that can be harmful to human health. These impurities include ethylene oxide, dioxane, and heavy metals like lead and arsenic. Exposure to these impurities can cause skin irritation, organ damage, and even cancer. It is important to ensure that phenoxyethanol used in products is of high quality and free from impurities.