Preservatives for Herbal Soap (pH ~8) and "Preservative Free" Claim

Subject: Soap Preservative for Herbal Soap (pH ~8) and "Preservative Free" Claim

Hello,

Regarding your herbal soap with a pH of around 8 and the issue of mold growth, you are asking about using Phenoxyethanol or Optiphen Plus and whether you can claim "Preservative Free" for FDA registration.

Based on the information provided:

1. Phenoxyethanol (Product ID 155) and Optiphen Plus (Product ID 928): Both of these ingredients are considered preservatives. If you use either of them in your soap formulation, you cannot label the product as "Preservative Free". You must declare the preservative used on the label.
2. "Preservative Free" Claim: If you specifically want to claim "Preservative Free", the staff reply suggests using Mild Preserved Eco (Ethylhexylglycerin + Caprylyl Glycol, Product ID 1001) at a recommended concentration of 2%.
3. pH Consideration for Mild Preserved Eco: It is important to note that Mild Preserved Eco is effective up to a pH of 8. Since your soap's pH is around 8, it might be suitable, but you should verify the exact pH. If the pH is slightly above 8, its effectiveness in controlling microbial growth might be reduced.
4. FDA Registration: For FDA registration, accurate labeling is crucial. If you use a preservative like Phenoxyethanol or Optiphen Plus, it must be listed, and you cannot claim "Preservative Free". If you use Mild Preserved Eco and aim for a "Preservative Free" claim (based on the supplier's definition), ensure your formulation's pH is within its effective range (up to 8) and that your labeling complies with local FDA regulations regarding "Preservative Free" claims, which typically means no ingredients classified solely as preservatives are used.

In summary, to prevent mold in your soap with pH ~8, both Phenoxyethanol or Optiphen Plus can be used as preservatives (but no "Preservative Free" claim). If a "Preservative Free" claim is essential, consider Mild Preserved Eco, but carefully check your soap's pH to ensure it's within the effective range (max 8). Always ensure your labeling is accurate for FDA submission.