Phenoxyethanol Odor in Fragrance-Free Formulas and Alternatives

It's understandable that you're experiencing an odor when using Phenoxyethanol. As mentioned in the forum replies, Phenoxyethanol, being a petrochemical derivative, can have a characteristic chemical smell that becomes more apparent in formulations without added fragrance to mask it.

Here are a few approaches you can consider to address this issue:

• Try a higher purity grade of Phenoxyethanol: While the inherent smell might still be present, using a higher purity grade like Phenoxyethanol (Extra Pure) might help reduce the intensity of the odor compared to standard grades.
• Consider alternative preservatives known for low or no odor: Several preservatives are designed to be low-odor or odorless, making them suitable for fragrance-free formulations.
  • Mild Preserved Eco™ (Preservative-Free) is explicitly described as having no odor and not affecting the formula's smell. It's a blend of Ethylhexylglycerin and Propanediol.
  • Mild Preserved™ COS (pH 2-8, Broad Spectrum, No-Odor) is another option specifically noted as being odorless and water-soluble with a wide pH range.
  • Mild Preserved SC10™ (Preservative-Free), containing Ethylhexylglycerin and Caprylyl Glycol, is also part of the Mild Preserved family and could be considered, although its odor profile isn't explicitly stated as absent in the description.
• Use a blended preservative containing Phenoxyethanol at a lower concentration: Products like Phenoxyethanol SA (eq. Optiphen Plus) combine Phenoxyethanol with other ingredients (Caprylyl Glycol and Sorbic Acid), allowing for a lower overall concentration of Phenoxyethanol while providing broad-spectrum preservation. This might result in a less noticeable odor.

Ultimately, the best solution depends on your specific formula and preferences. You may need to experiment with different preservatives to find one that provides effective preservation without an undesirable smell. Always perform a challenge test to ensure the chosen preservative is effective in your specific formulation.