PEHG, Phenoxyethanol a Ethylhexylglycerin, 100 ml

PEHG is a preservative for water-phase cosmetics: creams, lotions, serums, shampoos and shower gels. It combines phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin in a 90 : 10 ratio into a single ingredient, so it is dosed and incorporated as one component. It works across a wide pH range, requires only low dosage levels, and is suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on products, including baby cosmetics.

Key properties

• Antimicrobial efficacy – protects water-containing products from microbial growth during use.
• pH range 3.0 – 9.0 – covers more acidic tonics and serums as well as surfactant-based formulations.
• Rinse-off and leave-on products – one preservative for shampoo, shower gel, body lotion and face cream.
• Free from parabens, formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors – suitable for formulations that exclude these preservative groups.
• Free from fragrance allergens – adds none of the components that must be declared in the allergen list.
• Readily biodegradable – according to OECD 301.

Use in formulation

The recommended dosage is 0.7 – 1.0 % of the total product weight. The preservative is added during the cooling phase, when the emulsion temperature drops below 80 °C, or post-added to the finished product with continuous stirring. Do not add it to the hot oil or water phase.

It dissolves in glycols, only partially in water. In emulsions it incorporates without difficulty. For purely aqueous products such as tonics, hydrosol sprays or gels, first pre-dissolve it in a small amount of glycol before mixing into the water phase. At the upper dosage limit, verify that the product remains clear.

Preservation efficacy depends on the complete formulation, the packaging and the product's intended use. For products intended for sale, verify it with a challenge test.

Suitable for products such as

• facial creams, serums and emulsions, including eye-area preparations,
• body lotions and creams,
• shampoos, conditioners and hair masks,
• shower gels and bath preparations,
• baby cosmetics,
• lip balms and lip masks with a water phase,
• oral care preparations.

Good to know

The blend is of synthetic origin. For formulations intended to be declared as natural, a different preservation system must be chosen.

Compatibility with common raw materials is without known limitations. Behaviour with specific thickeners, electrolytes and active ingredients should be verified in the finished formulation.

The product has not been tested on animals and contains no ingredients of animal origin or nanomaterials.

Frequently asked questions