The caprylyl glycol/phenoxyethanol blend, an alternative to the popular Optiphen, is a liquid preservative system formulated with well-established ingredients widely used in cosmetic applications. These two components act synergistically, providing enhanced and long-lasting microbiological protection. Unlike organic acids that need a low pH to perform effectively, this optimized blend offers broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, yeasts, and molds across a wide pH range of 3–10. The composition is exceptionally heat stable, remaining effective at temperatures up to 80 °C, making it ideal for use in emulsions prepared under standard heating conditions.
This preservative system is proven safe and versatile, working seamlessly with a wide range of surfactants and emulsifiers. Suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on formulations, it ensures reliable protection even in challenging-to-preserve water/silicone emulsions. In water-rich formulations, the preservative’s solubility can be improved by adding a co-solvent or Polysorbate 20 in equal parts, ensuring a clear, uniform final product.
