Preservative combination recommendation for Face cleanser

Formulating

Preservative combination recommendation for Face cleanser

Posted by nshu_14 on February 13, 2025 at 2:34 am

Hello everyone!

Can someone please recommend me a combination of preservatives for a face cleanser? I cannot use phenoxyethanol due to its restrictions (based on some certification regulations). Thank you so much in advance.

PhilGeis replied 3 weeks ago 3 Members · 10 Replies
10 Replies

PhilGeis

Member
February 13, 2025 at 4:30 am

describe formula and package
- nshu_14
  
  Beginning formulator
  February 14, 2025 at 9:14 am
  
  I am going to use APGs, glycerine, a thickener and preservative. Do you have any suggestions on additional functional ingredient that I can use? Also the suggestion on preservative system ? Many thanks 🙂
- PhilGeis
  
  Member
  February 15, 2025 at 5:47 am
  
  formula, pH, package
  - nshu_14
    
    Beginning formulator
    March 3, 2025 at 2:54 am
    
    pH : 5.50-5.60. Would you please share how packaging is an important deciding factor for preservative selection?
    - PhilGeis
      
      Member
      March 3, 2025 at 6:16 am
      
      Packaging controls risk of exposure, esp. water (Gram neg) exposure.
      - nshu_14
        
        Beginning formulator
        March 3, 2025 at 8:36 am
        
        Ok, I understood, thank you. So for now, we haven’t thought of packaging. Would your suggestions on this?
        
        PhilGeis
        
        Member
        March 3, 2025 at 9:26 am
        
        Pump dispensing product reduces risk - esp. if non-suck back mechanism. Some folks who have critical control of all manufacturing risks use simplified preservative systems looking only to mold contamination risk.
        
        nshu_14
        
        Beginning formulator
        March 7, 2025 at 5:04 am
        
        Thank you for your insights.
        
        Abdullah
        
        Entrepreneur
        March 7, 2025 at 7:19 am
        
        @PhilGeis ”(looking only to mold contamination risk)” is this only in cleansing products or for emulsions and serums too in a pump package?
        
        PhilGeis
        
        Member
        March 7, 2025 at 7:26 am
        
        surfactant-based