Due to negative customer opinion it looks like I will have to remove parabens from our creams. I have been using Spectrastat by Inolex for quite a while at the minimum recommended level (0.7%) in our gels, which are oil-free, with no problems. Shelf life is at least 6 months. Spectrastat (caprylhydroxamic acid and caprylyl glycol and glycerin) is an attractive option because it technically is preservative-free.
This is a shout for HELP! because I never expected so many options.
My options are: 1-5 "blended systems for ease of use"
1. Lexgard HPO (caprylyl glycol and hexylene glycol and phenoxyethanol) "paraben free"
2. Lexgard OE 90 (caprylyl glycol and ethylhexylglycerine) "preservative free"
3. Lexgard NAP (caprylyl glycol and phenethyl alcohol) "preservative free"
4. Lexgard GCP (glyceryl caprylate and phenethyl alcohol) "preservative free"
5. Lexgard Natural (glyceryl caprylate and glyceryl undecylenate) "preservative free"
6-8 "optimized systems providing robust, broad spectrum activity" all "preservative free" except Spectragard which is "paraben free"
6. Spectrastat (caprylhydroxamic acid and caprylyl glycol and glycerine)
7. Spectrastat G (caprylhydroxamic acid and glyceryl caprylate and methylpropanediol)
8. Spectragard (added only at <50C) (caprylyl glycol and hexylene glycol and methylisothiazolinone)
"budget systems supplying affordable broad-spectrum activity"
9. Phenostat (caprylhydroxamic acid and phenoxyethanol and methylpropanediol) "paraben free"
10. Benzostat (caprylhydroxamic acid and benzyl alcohol and glycerine) "paraben free"
11. Aromastat (caprylhydroxamic acid and phenethyl alcohol and glycerine) "preservative free"
12. Zeastat (caprylhydroxamic acid and propanediol) "preservative free"
Cosmetic Brand Creation. Concept to name to IMPI search to logo and brand registration. In-house graphic design inc. Pantone specs. Cosmetic label and box design & graphics.
Comments
The rose scent of phenethyl alcohol is pleasant and smells appropriate for facial care products. The women in my husband's family (all Mexican) always comment on how much they enjoy the scent.
That said, I personally find the scent a tad traditional for my taste and our brand direction is more herbaceous, less floral. We are planning to transition to Benzostat because benzyl alcohol has a milder aroma that is easier to blend with.
Linatural Ultra 1: Propanediol (and) Benzyl Alcohol (and) Pentylene Glycol
All natural ingredients from renewable plant sources. No complaints.
See website for details www.desertinbloomcosmeticslab.com
I would stay away from Spectragard with the isothiazolinones as they are getting a very bad name also. Isothiazolinones are not recommended for leave on products.
Unless all of your products are self-preserved (aka "preservative free") I don't think it is is necessary to use a preservative free system. It just usually adds extra costs for less preservation.
We use Geogard 221 (Benzyl Alcohol and Dehydroacetic Acid) in our creams with good results.
If you don't like the scent of Phenethyl Alcohol, Phenylpropanol is similar, but the scent is reduced considerably.
See website for details www.desertinbloomcosmeticslab.com
I guess my next step is to find out the MOQs and prices. I know that the MOQ with Inolex is usually pretty large. I've decided to reformulate all the creams, there is no point in doing it one at a time. I already did one today, our most expensive one. It came out better than before but I will have to put a few to one side and begin shelf life testing. I'm hoping it will be OK. I set the pH to 4.5 (was 5.5), increased glycerin to 3% and added 0.2% EDTA.
http://shop.perfumersapprentice.com/p-6197-phenethyl-alcohol-phenyl-ethyl-alcohol.aspx?keyword=phenethyl+alcohol
Remember that when working with organic acids your formula pH will really be driving your preservative efficacy
Have you used this blend?
Is it broad spectrum?
Can it preserve for more than a year?
What is the effect on nonionic surfactant shampoo?
No, it won't preserve something for a year.