Questions about Mild Preserved Eco and Thyme Kill in Formulations

Asked by: fb20172 On: December 12, 2017 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

I have questions regarding the preservatives Mild Preserved Eco and Thyme Kill for use in cosmetic formulations:

  • Can Mild Preserved Eco be used as a standalone preservative in formulations, such as emulsion or water-based types?
  • Does Mild Preserved Eco solidify or change consistency when stored below 15°C?
  • Which preservative, Mild Preserved Eco or Thyme Kill, is more suitable for lip products like lip gloss, considering potential incidental ingestion?

Answer

Questions about Mild Preserved Eco and Thyme Kill

Regarding your questions about Mild Preserved Eco and Thyme Kill:

  1. Can Mild Preserved Eco be used alone?
    Yes, Mild Preserved Eco is formulated as a broad-spectrum preservative blend (containing Ethylhexylglycerin and Caprylyl Glycol) intended for use as a standalone preservative in many cosmetic formulations, especially in oil-in-water emulsions as suggested by the staff. Its effectiveness can vary depending on the specific ingredients in your formula, manufacturing hygiene, and packaging. For commercial products, challenge testing is always recommended to confirm efficacy. For personal use, starting with the recommended concentration (e.g., 1%) is a common practice.

  2. Will it solidify below 15°C?
    Yes, Mild Preserved Eco, due to its Caprylyl Glycol component, can solidify or appear cloudy when stored at temperatures below approximately 13-15°C. This is a normal physical characteristic and does not impact the preservative's effectiveness once it returns to room temperature and becomes liquid again.

  3. Mild Preserved Eco vs. Thyme Kill for lip gloss?
    Mild Preserved Eco is generally considered suitable for use in lip products where incidental ingestion may occur, given its common cosmetic use and safety profile. Thyme Kill (o-Cymen-5-ol) is also used in cosmetics and sometimes oral care, but its suitability for lip gloss depends on specific regulations and recommended usage levels for ingestible products. Mild Preserved Eco is often chosen for lip formulations due to its mildness and effectiveness as a primary preservative. Always adhere to recommended usage rates for either product in lip applications.