Mixing Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin in Water-Based Gel

You are asking how to combine Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin (which is the component of Mild Preserved you are using) and add them to a water-based gel formulation that does not contain alcohol.

Here's how you can mix and incorporate these preservatives:

1. Understand Solubility: As you noted, Phenoxyethanol is water-soluble, while Ethylhexylglycerin is not water-soluble but is soluble in glycols and alcohol.

2. Pre-mix the Preservatives: Although Ethylhexylglycerin is not water-soluble, you can pre-mix the two liquid preservatives, Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, together in a separate container. Phenoxyethanol, being a solvent itself, can help to disperse or partially dissolve the Ethylhexylglycerin.

3. Add to the Finished Gel: Following the general recommendation, add this pre-mixture of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin to your gel formulation in the final step, after the gel texture has been fully formed by the gelling agent.

4. Incorporate Evenly: Add the preservative mixture slowly to the gel while stirring continuously. The gelling agent used to create your gel structure will help to effectively incorporate and disperse the preservative blend throughout the water-based formula, even the non-water-soluble Ethylhexylglycerin component.

This method ensures both preservatives are introduced into the formula effectively, leveraging the properties of Phenoxyethanol as a co-solvent and the dispersing action of the gel maker.