Preservatives for Hair Tonic without Oiliness

It is understandable that you experienced oiliness and stickiness using Phenoxyethanol SA (Optiphen Plus) in your herbal hair tonic. Phenoxyethanol SA contains Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, and Sorbic Acid. Caprylyl Glycol, being a type of glycol, can sometimes contribute to a slightly oily or sticky feel in formulations, especially depending on the concentration and other ingredients in your specific tonic.

The staff recommended Mild Preserved Eco, which is a good option. Mild Preserved Eco contains Ethylhexylglycerin and 1,3 Propanediol. It is known for being gentle and is not classified as a traditional preservative by the FDA. It also offers some moisturizing benefits. The typical usage rate for general formulas is 1.0-1.5%. For formulas containing many natural ingredients, like a herbal tonic, a higher concentration up to 2.0% might be needed for sufficient preservation. While generally lighter than Phenoxyethanol SA, Ethylhexylglycerin and Propanediol are still glycols and could potentially affect the feel depending on your formula.

Another alternative you might consider, which is less likely to cause an oily feel, is NaturePreserve LB2. This preservative is water-soluble and is based on organic acids and benzyl alcohol. It provides broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, yeast, and mold and is suitable for hair care products. It is effective in a pH range of 2.0-6.5. The recommended usage rate is 0.5-1.0%.

To choose the best preservative for your herbal hair tonic without causing oiliness, consider the following:

• Mild Preserved Eco: Start with the staff's recommendation at 1-1.5%. If preservation is insufficient or you need stronger protection for a herbal formula, you might increase up to 2%. Observe the feel at different concentrations.
• NaturePreserve LB2: If your tonic's pH is between 2.0 and 6.5, this water-soluble option at 0.5-1.0% is likely to feel very light and non-oily.

Ultimately, the best way to determine suitability and feel is to test the preservative in your specific hair tonic formula.