Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating General phenylpropanol … Should I be taking a closer look?

  • phenylpropanol … Should I be taking a closer look?

    Posted by Graillotion on July 20, 2024 at 1:53 am

    I was doing some leisure evening reading…and this paper came up as some related reading. I guess I am targeting this question at Dr Phil, @PhilGeis but any with related experience can of course contribute. First the paper for background:

    (PDF) In vitro study to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of various multifunctional cosmetic ingredients and chlorphenesin on bacterial species at risk in the cosmetic industry (researchgate.net)

    I will preface by saying…. I tend to use in almost every formula, hexanediol and pentylene glycol, as well as hydroxyacetophenone and EHG (EHG comes along for the ride with PE 9010…and in one formula, the rate is dramatically increased). However, after reading this paper….it seems like maybe I should be looking at phenylpropanol? The question would be….what is gained or lost by using this in place of phenoxyethanol? What are the weaknesses of phenylpropanol, that might need to be bolstered in a cosmetic emulsion?

    I was rather tickled….and some inference was made to PET testing and the slate of whopping 5 test pathogens. This was testing against 68 strains…. and it was funny (for those that think PET is pretty much a fun exercise in futility (not enough)) to see how often the numbers would say something to the effect of : Effective of 6 of 8 strains of pathogen X, Y or Z. Felt like someone turned on the lights on cosmetics…and the cockroaches were tumbling all over each other to hide from the light.

    In summary…. it seemed as though phenylpropanol go lots of hugs and kisses, unless I read the material incorrectly? So would love to hear…. is this an overlooked gem in cosmetic preservation….that even the greenies can embrace? (Not that I care about them.) 😆

    Love to hear what the place/niche for this preservative should be….and if I should be giving it more heed?

    Hope the link leads you to the paper….otherwise you can just drop the title into your search bar.

    Aloha.

    MarkBroussard replied 3 months, 3 weeks ago 3 Members · 3 Replies
  • 3 Replies
  • Graillotion

    Member
    July 20, 2024 at 2:19 am

    I see in the Evonik literature…. (about the only company that doesn’t just lie, Lie, LIE about their ingredients) … basically calls it a ‘component’ of preservation… with a tendency to be weaker on Gram + and Yeast.

  • PhilGeis

    Member
    July 20, 2024 at 9:21 am

    No experience with the stuff - don’t see it on CIR so wonder at safety assessment needed under MoCRa. Evonik comment ~ PEA and Phenooxyethyl

    Phenoxy propanol in on Annex 5 for rinse off only.

    • This reply was modified 4 months ago by  PhilGeis.
  • MarkBroussard

    Member
    July 28, 2024 at 9:21 pm

    @Graillotion

    I have used it, but prefer PE9010. I don’t see any compelling reason to switch from PE9010. The drawback is that it is not as water soluble as PE9010, so you really can’t use in the water-based serums or surfactant-based formulas. And, it will impart a rose scent to all of your formulas.

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