Shelf life of shampoo with Phenoxyethanol SA (Optiphen Plus)

Asked by: aoy.thanawadee On: September 11, 2017 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

What is the shelf life of shampoo when using Phenoxyethanol SA (equivalent to Optiphen Plus) as a preservative? What factors influence the shelf life, and what testing is required to determine it accurately?

Answer

Shelf Life of Shampoo with Phenoxyethanol SA (Optiphen Plus)

Adding a broad-spectrum preservative like Phenoxyethanol SA (equivalent to Optiphen Plus) is crucial for extending the shelf life of cosmetic products like shampoo. Preservatives work by preventing the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and mold, which can spoil the product and make it unsafe to use.

While Phenoxyethanol SA itself is stable and has a shelf life, the actual shelf life of your finished shampoo product depends on several factors, including:

  • The specific formulation: Different ingredients can affect the preservative's efficacy.
  • Manufacturing conditions: Ensuring a clean and hygienic production process is vital.
  • Packaging: The type of container can influence contamination.
  • Storage conditions: How the product is stored after manufacturing (temperature, light exposure).

Therefore, it is not possible to give a precise shelf life number solely based on the addition of the preservative. To determine the exact shelf life and ensure the safety and stability of your shampoo, a challenge test is required. This test involves intentionally introducing microorganisms into the product to see if the preservative system can effectively prevent their growth over time.

Using Phenoxyethanol SA helps protect your formulation, but the final shelf life must be verified through appropriate testing for your specific product.

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