PEHG9010 Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin is a cosmetic preservative system composed of a combination of the substances Phenoxyethanol (90%) and Ethylhexylglycerin (10%). It is a synthetically prepared blend used to protect cosmetic products against undesirable growth of microorganisms. Phenoxyethanol is an aromatic glycol ether produced by chemical synthesis, most commonly by reacting phenol with ethylene oxide, and in cosmetics it serves primarily as a broad-spectrum preservative. Ethylhexylglycerin is a functional derivative of glycerin produced by chemical modification of the glycerin structure and in the formulation it acts as a supporting antimicrobial component, emollient and booster of preservation efficacy.
This combination is particularly popular because it enables effective preservation of aqueous and emulsion-based cosmetic products at relatively low dosages. Ethylhexylglycerin supports the effect of phenoxyethanol, thereby helping to improve protection of the formula against bacteria, yeasts and molds. PEHG is suitable for modern cosmetic formulations in which stability, microbiological safety, good compatibility with raw materials and easy incorporation are important.

---

Key benefits

• Broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection – helps protect cosmetic products against bacteria, yeasts and molds.
• Synergistic combination of two components – ethylhexylglycerin increases the preservative efficacy of phenoxyethanol and supports formula stability.
• Suitable for leave-on and rinse-off products – can be used in both leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics.
• Effective over a wide pH range – the recommended effective range is approximately pH 3.0 – 9.0.
• Compatible with most cosmetic raw materials – suitable for aqueous, water-glycol and emulsion systems.
• Free from parabens, isothiazolinones and formaldehyde donors – suitable for formulations where you wish to avoid these preservative groups.
• Low impact on product sensorial properties – at proper dosage it usually does not significantly change the fragrance, colour or texture of the finished product.

---

Suitable for products such as

• facial creams, body lotions and O/W as well as W/O emulsions,
• serums, gels and aqueous cosmetic preparations,
• shampoos, shower gels and cleansing products,
• hair conditioners, masks and water-containing styling products,
• wet wipes and make-up removers,
• cosmetics for the eye area and lips, if suitability is confirmed by the overall safety documentation of the formula,
• baby and children’s cosmetics, provided applicable legislative limits are observed and the entire formulation has been evaluated.

---

Use in formulation

• The recommended dosage in cosmetic products is usually 0.7 – 1.0%.
• The maximum use level must be set so that the phenoxyethanol content in the finished cosmetic product does not exceed the permitted legislative limit of 1.0%.
• PEHG is compatible with most common cosmetic emulsifiers, surfactants, thickeners, humectants and active ingredients.
• It is miscible with glycols and many emulsion systems; it is well soluble in the glycol phase.
• It has limited solubility in water, therefore for purely aqueous formulations thorough mixing or pre-mixing with a suitable water-miscible co-component, for example glycerin or a glycol, is recommended according to the nature of the formula.
• In emulsions it can be added to the water phase or during the cooling phase, depending on the processing method and the stability of the other raw materials.
• For aqueous formulations, slight heating to approximately 40 °C may be required for complete dissolution.
• The maximum processing temperature for this blend is approximately 80 °C, however, for sensitive formulations it is advisable to add the preservative in a later stage of production.
• The efficacy of preservation always depends on the entire formula, pH, water content, packaging material, method of use and manufacturing hygiene.
• When manufacturing products intended for sale, it is recommended to verify the efficacy of the preservative system by a microbiological challenge test on the finished product.

---

Safety and storage

• Use only at the recommended dosage and in compliance with the applicable legislation for cosmetic products.
• Phenoxyethanol is permitted in the European Union as a preservative in cosmetics at a maximum concentration of 1.0% in the finished product.
• When working with the raw material, wear protective gloves and avoid contact of the undiluted substance with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Do not add it to the finished product by estimation; always weigh the preservative precisely according to the total weight of the formula.
• Store in a well-closed container, in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
• Keep out of reach of children and away from food.

---

FAQ

---

If you want to learn more about the benefits and use of preservatives in cosmetics, read our article Konzervanty v kozmetike.
Also have a look at other Konzervanty available from Handymade.sk.