Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Advanced Questions Knowing or Choosing the right Preservative for our product

  • Knowing or Choosing the right Preservative for our product

    Posted by jeswinger on August 16, 2016 at 3:29 pm

    Hi Chemist Corner Forum,

    We are re-entering the market and are making changes to the preservatives in our shaving
    cream formula, which has been package and used by both men and women. We have been using parabens since its creation some 60 years ago. We understand how consumers have been swaded into thinking they are harmful. 

    Our chemist or manufactures chemist has suggested that we replace it with the preservative Phenoxyethanol. He said that we would have to
    do a challenge to make sure it doesn’t breakdown, shelf life, doesn’t mold,
    etc. before we complete formulation finale prep. 

    Although, I am the fiduciary
    of a host or formulas created by a biochemist, understand the ingredients, its
    properties, and blending process, bottom-line I feel at a disadvantage as I am not
    a chemist. So I would like the opinions of those who are on this particular preservative and the challenge process.
    Additionally, is there a list that I can obtain of companies that performed
    this in the NYC tristate area so that I can compare pricing.

    Thanks, James Sanford

    oldperry replied 7 years, 7 months ago 4 Members · 3 Replies
  • 3 Replies
  • crisbaysauli

    Member
    August 23, 2016 at 6:06 am

    Current campaigns against parabens made it harder and harder for formulators to ensure that their product will not be degraded by unseen microorganisms. Phenoxyethanol is one common replacement but this is not enough on its own. Try combined mixtures like Euxyl PE9010 or Dermosoft OMP. These two can be used in a wide pH range too.

  • Kirk

    Member
    August 23, 2016 at 8:42 am

    I agree with Cris. Check the preservatives that she mentioned if it will fit in your formula. Then do the necessary tests (stability, challenge tests, etc.) just to be sure.

  • oldperry

    Member
    August 23, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    I would check your premises.

    While you see parabens in the news, before changing from a safe preservative system to one that is not tested, you should check with your consumers (and potential consumers) to see if they even care about parabens or are even aware of what they are.

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