Addressing Odor from Phenoxyethanol SA (Optiphen Plus) in Cream
Question
I am using the preservative Phenoxyethanol SA (Optiphen Plus) in my cream formulation. It has a pungent odor that makes the cream smell bad, and even adding fragrance does not eliminate the smell of the preservative. Is there a way to fix this? Or should I reduce the amount of Phenoxyethanol SA and add another preservative, such as Mild Preserved Eco™?
Answer
Addressing the Odor of Phenoxyethanol SA
It is true that Phenoxyethanol SA (eq. Optiphen Plus) can have a distinct odor that might be difficult to mask with fragrance alone. This is a common challenge with some preservatives.
A good strategy to address this is to use a lower concentration of Phenoxyethanol SA in combination with another antimicrobial ingredient that has little to no odor.
Mild Preserved Eco™ is an excellent option for this purpose. It is specifically developed to be odorless and functions as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. It is a blend of Ethylhexylglycerin and 1,3 Propanediol.
You can try reducing the amount of Phenoxyethanol SA in your formula (while staying within its recommended usage rate of 0.5-1.25%) and incorporating Mild Preserved Eco™ (typically used at 1.0-1.5% for general cosmetics). This combination can provide effective preservation while significantly reducing the overall odor contribution from the preservative system.
Remember to consider the pH compatibility of both ingredients. Phenoxyethanol SA works best in a pH range of 2.0-6.0, while Mild Preserved Eco™ is effective in a wider range of 4-9. Ensure your final formulation's pH is suitable for the chosen combination.
Always perform a challenge test on your final formulation to confirm that the chosen preservative system and concentrations are effective against microbial growth.
Related Products Mentioned
Phenoxyethanol SA (eq. Optiphen Plus)
