Preservatives for Long Lash Products (Eye Area)

Question

Regarding preservatives for Long Lash products (applied near the eyes), the website suggests two options:

Phenoxyethanol combined with Preservative Booster (to enhance preservation efficacy):
- 0.3% Phenoxyethanol + 3% pentylene glycol
Optiphen Plus, which is a developed Phenoxyethanol blend consisting of Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid, allowing for reduced Phenoxyethanol usage (reducing irritation potential) and broader spectrum efficacy.

Could you confirm if these options are suitable for a Long Lash product and clarify the recommended usage rate for Option 2?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Preservatives for Long Lash Products

For formulating a Long Lash product, which is applied near the eyes, choosing a safe and effective preservative is crucial. Based on common recommendations for eye-area cosmetics, here are two suitable options:

Phenoxyethanol combined with a Preservative Booster
- You can use Phenoxyethanol (Extra Pure) or Phenoxyethanol P5 as the primary preservative.
- Combine it with a booster like Pentylene Glycol (Low-Odor). Pentylene Glycol acts as a solvent and helps enhance the efficacy of the preservative.
- A suggested usage rate is 0.3% Phenoxyethanol + 3% Pentylene Glycol. Ensure the total Phenoxyethanol concentration does not exceed 0.5% for eye products.
Phenoxyethanol SA (eq. Optiphen Plus)
- This is a broad-spectrum preservative blend containing Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, and Sorbic Acid.
- It offers broad protection against bacteria and fungi.
- For eye products, the recommended usage rate is 0.5%.

Both options are considered safe and effective for use in cosmetic products, including those applied to the eye area, when used at the recommended concentrations.

Important Note: Regardless of the preservative chosen, it is essential to perform a challenge test on your final formulation before producing and selling the product to ensure the preservative system is effective and suitable for your specific formula.