Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Looking to boost Optiphen in a lotion formula….

  • Looking to boost Optiphen in a lotion formula….

    Posted by Graillotion on February 19, 2020 at 4:13 am

    I have been using just Optiphen as my preservative in my earlier lotion formula.  (I also include Sodium Lactate at 2% in all formulas.)  As I move forward with a new formula…I am a little worried, as I have added some ‘bug food’ to the new formula.  (Aloe Juice, and brewed white tea)

    Could you offer some tips on enhancing my Optiphen, with something that might help where Optiphen might be weak?  I think I had heard it was better with bacteria, and possibly weak on molds or fungus?  Can it be as simple as adding some benzyl alcohol?  I am not wanting to add parabens, as my products focus on the natural…..but not at the expense of nasties…hehehe.

    Thanks

    I look forward to your thoughts

    OldPerry replied 4 years, 2 months ago 2 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • Graillotion

    Member
    February 19, 2020 at 9:04 am

    What about: 

    Euxyl® K 703 contains:

    • Phenoxyethanol          78.0 - 84.0%
    • Benzoic Acid              11.0 - 13.0%
    • Dehydroacetic Acid     6.5 -   7.5%

    Just found this on LotionCrafter….is this not essentially Optiphen on steroids? :) 

  • OldPerry

    Member
    February 19, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    “Optiphen on steroids” - that’s one way to put it.

    If you want to boost optiphen and are most concerned with producing a safe product, include DMDM Hydantoin and Methylparaben. Also reduce the levels of natural ingredients which are unlikely to be having any positive effect on the product performance anyway.

    If product safety considerations are less important to you than your marketing position, then the Euxyl K 703 is a reasonable option. Although it may destabilize your emulsion. You might also consider Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate or Chlorphenesin.  But if you’re selling the product, it would also be a good idea to have a good lawyer ready should the need arise. 

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