Replace Phenoxyethanol with Other Preservation Methods

June 4, 2020

Green trends have significantly impacted the beauty industry which led to manufacturers seeking for alternative methods to preserve their formulation. Traditional preservatives are less popular and many have been limited or restricted for use in cosmetics. Hence, there is a strong preference for options that are labelled as green, natural, safer, chemical-free, preservative-free and non-controversial.

However, it may be difficult to find such options since new preservatives are very rare. Only 2 new preservatives were added to Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Directive in 16 Years. This is because preservative registration and testing is tedious and requires high cost.

Here, we can provide you with natural and “preservative-free” options to replace Phenoxyethanol and other preservatives. Read on to find out how!

Regulations of Phenoxyethanol

	Limit on 2-Phenoxyethanol
Limit on 2-Phenoxyethanol ASEAN Cosmetics Directive	1%
EU Cosmetics Directive	1%
Japan	1%
US	-

The Controversy of Phenoxyethanol

The downfall of Parabens has prompted many formulators to preserve products with Phenoxyethanol. However, phenoxyethanol carries similar potential risks and soon consumers may steer clear of this ingredient. When phenoxyethanol is searched online, it can be observed that there are 2 groups of people; people that avoids the ingredient and people that feels that the ingredient poses no risk if it is within the limited concentration.

“Phenoxyethanol could be the next ‘no-no’ ingredient,” and it is important for us to act before this happens.

Our Solutions

Troycare LSB1
COSMOS certified 100% organic acid system with broad-spectrum control that has wider pH range than traditional organic acids.
Troycare EPP series
Customised broad-spectrum preservative solutions that allows “preservative-free” claims. Consists of multifunctional ingredients.

	Troycare LSB1	Troycare EPP19	Troycare EPP37
Content	Natural with COSMOS certification	Allows “preservative-free” claims
Ingredients	80% Levulinic Acid, 15% Sorbic Acid, 5% Benzoic Acid	90% Phenylpropanol, 10% Ethylhexylglycerin	70% Phenylpropanol, 30% Ethylhexylglycerin
Use Level (% W/W)	0.4	0.5-0.9	0.4-0.8
pH	Works best at pH <5.5	Stable and effective across a wide pH range (3-12)
Benefits	Phenoxyethanol-free, Globally-approved, Broad spectrum preservation