Preservatives for Eye Area Products

For cosmetic products used around the eyes, which is a sensitive area, it's important to choose a gentle yet effective preservative. Based on the search, Eye Preserved™ (Polyhexamethylene Biguanide, PHMB) is specifically designed for use in contact lens solutions and is suitable for cosmetic formulations around the eyes or for sensitive skin.

Eye Preserved™ is gentle, effective against bacteria (including odor-causing) and some viruses. It works best in a pH range of 3-6.5 and can withstand temperatures up to 80°C. However, note that it is incompatible with anionic ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Carbomer.

Other broad-spectrum preservatives that might be considered, depending on your specific formulation needs (such as pH range, heat tolerance, and preference for natural ingredients), include:

• PaeoniaPreserve™ (Natural Preservative): A natural option from Paeonia root extract. Avoid heat above 60°C.
• Global Guard™ 221 (pH 2-7, Natural): A globally approved, water-soluble broad-spectrum preservative effective at low rates. Requires temperature below 45°C and pH 2-7.
• Mild Preserved™ COS (pH 2-8, Broad Spectrum, No-Odor): A water-soluble, odorless broad-spectrum preservative with a wide pH range (2-8). Requires temperature below 45°C.
• Preserve-BSB™ (eq. Optiphen BSB-W): Effective up to pH 5.5 and can withstand temperatures below 80°C. Free from formaldehyde donors, halogens, isothiazolinones, parabens, and phenoxyethanol.
• Coco-Preserve™ (Preservative from Coconut Extract): A natural origin, water-soluble broad-spectrum preservative effective over a pH range of 4-8. Avoid heat exceeding 50°C.
• NaturePreserve™ LB2: A natural origin preservative effective at low pH values (2.0-6.5). Avoid heat exceeding 50°C.

Always perform a challenge test to ensure the efficacy and suitability of the chosen preservative in your specific formulation before production and distribution.