Euxyl PE 9010, Preservative, 100 ml

Euxyl PE 9010 is a cosmetic preservation system based on phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin, designed for a broad spectrum of antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria, yeasts and molds. The combination of components reduces the surface tension of the cell membrane of microorganisms and enhances the effect of phenoxyethanol, making Euxyl™ PE 9010 exceptionally effective even at low dosages while being gentle to the formulation. Stable against hydrolysis, temperature and pH and ideal for clear and transparent gels. Euxyl PE 9010 is a preservative free of formaldehyde and free of formaldehyde releasers.

Composition: Phenoxyethanol (90%), Ethylhexylglycerin (10%) (stabilized with synthetic alpha-tocopherol)

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Physical properties

Appearance: clear, colourless to slightly yellowish liquid with a characteristic odour. Solubility: limited in water (approx. 1% at 20 °C); soluble in polar solvents (propylene glycol, propanol, acetone); in polyols (glycerol, sorbitol) medium; in pure aliphatic solvents low. Surface tension: a 1% solution significantly reduces the surface tension of water (supports diffusion into the phase). Foaming: non-foaming (1% in water). Stability: stable to hydrolysis, temperature and over a wide pH range (effective up to pH ~12).

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Key benefits

• Broad-spectrum protection (bacteria, yeasts, molds) with rapid kinetics of action.
• Mild to formulations – suitable for sensitive systems and transparent gels.
• High stability to pH, heat and hydrolysis; low risk of discolouration or interactions with pigments.
• Salt tolerance; at very high surfactant loads efficacy may decrease.
• Good processability – liquid form, easy incorporation even at lower temperatures.

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Suitable for products such as

Leave-on and rinse-off preparations: face and body creams/milks, serums and gels (including transparent gels), micellar and cleansing products, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, wet wipes.

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Use in formulation

Recommended dosage: 0.5 – 1.0% (leave-on and rinse-off).

Maximum permitted regulatory use: approximately 1.11%

Compatibility: the preservative is miscible with polar solvents (e.g. propylene glycol), in pure water it has limited solubility (approx. 1% at 20 °C).

Formulation: add Euxyl PE 9010 to the aqueous or water-glycol phase under stirring; to improve distribution, pre-dissolution in propylene glycol is suitable. It is recommended to add during cooling (at a temperature below 40 °C). For products with a higher microbial risk (natural raw materials), consider the upper limit of the dosage and always perform a challenge test.

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Safety and storage

Safety limits of use are governed by applicable cosmetic legislation in the target markets; in general, preservation up to 1.1% is considered safe in leave-on and rinse-off products when used correctly. To achieve full disintegration of microorganisms in already contaminated systems, a minimum contact time of approximately 48 hours is required. Store in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from sources of heat and direct sunlight.

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FAQ