Make-up remover formulation adjustment for eye sensitivity

Question

I have a make-up remover formulation that works well for cleansing and leaves skin soft, but it causes stinging around the eyes. The formula includes:

Butylene Glycol
Coco Wash
MakeUp-Wash
Pro Polymer
Cucumber Extract
Phenoxyethanol (0.6%)

I suspect the stinging is due to the preservative. Could you confirm if Phenoxyethanol at 0.6% is likely causing the eye irritation and suggest a milder alternative, such as Mild Preserved?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Make-up Remover Formulation Adjustment

It's great that your make-up remover formulation works well for cleansing and leaves your skin feeling soft. Regarding the stinging sensation around the eyes, it is likely caused by the preservative, Phenoxyethanol.

While Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative, it can be irritating, especially in the sensitive eye area. The concentration you used (0.6%) is slightly higher than the generally recommended maximum of 0.5% for eye products.

Switching to a milder preservative is an excellent approach to reduce or eliminate eye irritation. As suggested, using a combination of Ethylhexylglycerin and Caprylyl Glycol, or a blend like Mild Preserved Eco™ (which contains Ethylhexylglycerin and Propanediol), would be much gentler and more suitable for a make-up remover used around the eyes.

The other ingredients in your formula, such as Butylene Glycol, Coco Wash, MakeUp-Wash, Pro Polymer, and Cucumber Extract, are generally suitable for a gentle make-up remover formulation.