StatGuard (e.q. Phenostat) is a paraben-free preservative blend based on phenoxyethanol, caprylhydroxamic acid, methylpropanediol, and water for broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection in cosmetic formulas.

The system combines phenoxyethanol as the main traditional preservative with caprylhydroxamic acid, a multifunctional organic acid and metal-chelating antimicrobial booster, while methylpropanediol and water improve handling and distribution in the formula.

It is designed for pH 4-8 systems and for practical use in emulsions, anhydrous bases, and surfactant products where formulators need a formaldehyde-donor-free, MIT-free, and paraben-free preservation option.

Product Description: StatGuard provides broad antimicrobial coverage against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and mold when used at the appropriate level and validated in the final formula. The caprylhydroxamic acid component helps limit yeast and mold growth through metal chelation and organic-acid preservation behavior, while phenoxyethanol supports broad bacterial control. Methylpropanediol functions as a carrier/co-solvent to help the preservative system distribute through aqueous, emulsion, and surfactant systems.

Usage: Suitable for creams, lotions, O/W sunscreens, serums, gels, cleansers, shower gels, shampoos, wipe juices, anhydrous systems, and color cosmetics when the final formula is compatible with the pH and solubility window.

Mixing method:

- Mix well before use. If the material appears cloudy or partly structured at room temperature, gently warm to 45-50°C until uniform before weighing.

- Add to the water phase below 80°C, or add during cool-down/post-emulsification around 40°C. Cool-down addition is preferred when the process allows it.

- Ensure complete dispersion before viscosity build is finished. In surfactant systems, add with moderate mixing and check clarity/viscosity after salt or electrolyte adjustment.

- Avoid prolonged holding at elevated temperature, strongly alkaline pH above 8, and localized addition into thick gels without enough mixing.

Usage rate: 1.0-1.5%. Typical starting point: 1.0-1.25% for standard emulsions; 1.25-1.5% for high water activity, botanical-rich, wipe, or surfactant systems. At 1.0-1.5%, approximate delivered actives are phenoxyethanol ~0.70-1.05% and caprylhydroxamic acid ~0.15-0.225%; verify against local preservative limits and final challenge testing.

Product characteristics: White to pale yellow liquid at room temperature; becomes clear above room temperature; mild characteristic odor.

Solubility: Compatible with water phase addition and surfactant systems; also suitable for emulsions and anhydrous systems when fully dispersed. Compatible with glycols and many common cosmetic thickeners, but high salt, high botanical load, or very high polymer levels should be tested for preservative availability.

Storage: Store sealed indoors below 35°C. Avoid prolonged heat exposure and keep containers tightly closed to reduce contamination and evaporation risk.