Preservative 12

INCI: Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Common Name: Preservative 12

A versatile and effective, broad spectrum preservative suitable for leave-on and rinse-off formulations. It is palm-free, formaldehyde-free, vegan and biodegradable.

Benefits

Product Benefits: Effective Broad-Spectrum Preservative

• Broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection
  
  
• Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and moulds, including gram-positive bacteria, yeasts
  
  
• Suitable for leave-on and rinse-off formulations

• Stable across a wide pH range (3-12)
  
  
• Vegan and biodegradable
  
  
• Formaldehyde-free and palm-free
  
  
• Compatible with various formulation types, including nonionic and cationic formulations
  
  
• Minimal impact on product aesthetics

Product Description

Product Description

Preservative 12 is a versatile, broad-spectrum preservative blend of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin. This clear colourless liquid with a slight odour is designed to protect cosmetic formulations from microbial contamination, extend shelf life, and ensure product safety. It is compatible with various skincare formulations, including those with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid serums.

The blend is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and moulds. Its effectiveness across a broad pH range (3-12) makes it suitable for various cosmetic products, from creams and lotions to serums and gels. It is particularly effective in cationic formulations, creams and lotions, and emulsions. However, be careful with formulations containing clay as clay absorbs preservatives can leave the water element open to microbial contamination.

Preservative 12 is vegan, biodegradable, and formaldehyde-free and palm-free, meeting clean beauty standards. Its compatibility with different formulation types and minimal impact on product aesthetics make it a favourite among formulators. Especially important in formulations that include herbal materials, as these are more prone to microbial contamination.

When using Preservative 12, formulators should ensure creams and lotions are stable and strong to prevent destabilising weak emulsions. The preservative is effective against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, so broad spectrum protection. Other ingredients measurement is crucial when adding Preservative 12 to ensure product efficacy and safety. Suitable for both leave-on and rinse-off formulations, it’s a versatile option for various products. The same preservative can be used across different formulations for consistency and reliability.

While Preservative 12 is effective, exceeding the recommended concentration can cause skin irritation so formulation practices are key. It’s also compatible with treatment gels, keeps product clear and prevents microbial contamination.

How to use it

How to Use

• Use in formulations at 0.5% to 1%. In our formulations, we always use 1% unless part of the formulation includes herbal materials such as a tea infusion or decoction, then we use 1.1%, which is also the maximum recommendation. Higher amounts than this have the potential to cause skin irritation.
  
  
• It is not fully oil or water soluble, so it is best used with creams and lotions. When used in a water-based product like a toner, it is more soluble if added to glycerin or sorbitol before being added to the toner. It can also be solubilised with Polysorbate 20.
  
  
• It is stable at variable temperatures. We recommend adding it in Stage 3 in creams and lotions, or when the product temperature is under 40°C.
  
  
• The ethyhexylglycerin content can destabilise weak emulsions. To avoid this, make sure your cream and lotions' emulsions are stable before the preservative is added.
  
  
• As it is colourless, it will not change the colour or affect the clarity of gels. It also has a very mild smell compared to some other preservatives, making it the preferred choice for unscented products.

• The best method for measuring the preservatives (and all other raw materials) when adding to your products is to weigh them on an accurate scale that weighs down to 0.1 grams. You will find older formulations that use drops, but this is no longer accurate enough.

Skin Care

• Use in treatment gels such as Aloe Vera or Hyaluronic Acid serums, as well as all types of creams and lotions.
  
  
• It can tolerate high salt content, so it is suitable for use in salt body scrubs. Body scrubs may be anhydrous and not be thought to need a preservative, but when they are used with wet hands in the bathroom environment, they should be preserved, and Preservative 12 is an excellent choice for this.

Hair Care

• Do not use with shampoos and body washes as it will not work. It works well with non-ionic, anionic, and cationic materials that are used in hair care products like conditioners.
  
  
• Hair care products often use a lot of herbs, which are more prone to microbial contamination, so remember to increase the percentage of Preservative 12 if using infusions and decoctions to 1.1%.

Cautions & Contraindications

Do not blend different preservatives with each other unless you are experienced in this area and can have the result tested for efficacy. If you are adding extra materials to a base product, you may need to add extra preservative as well. Ensure the same preservative as the base product is used.

We do not recommend this preservative for use with clays. We found in our tests, that the clay absorbed the preservative leaving the water element vulnerable to contamination.

Note: Preservatives & Antioxidants

Preservatives are needed for most cosmetic formulations that include water. There are some companies that have very stringent manufacturing procedures to ensure the hygiene of the product and the ratio of some of the materials may make the product quite stable against contamination. Shampoos can sometimes do this as they are often very alkaline, However, that alkalinity is not very comfortable on the scalp.

Vitamin E used to be referred to as a preservative because it preserved the shelf life of the product. However, Vitamin E only acts as an antioxidant for the oils in the product, preventing them from going rancid too quickly. It is not a preservative by today's accepted standards. For more information on the difference between preservatives and antioxidants, and the importance of preservatives in cosmetics, take a look at this article; Preservatives & Antioxidants in Cosmetics

INCI / Ingredients

INCI / Ingredients

INCI Name: Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Origin: Synthetic

Appearance: Clear, colourless liquid

Solubility: Partially soluble in water; more soluble in oils

Storage & Shelf life

Storage & Shelf Life

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Check the packaging for the expiration date.

Sustainabiulity

Sustainability

At Aromantic UK, we put sustainability at the forefront of our products, including Preservative 12. Our commitment to using quality preservatives means our products are not only effective but also eco-friendly. With its biodegradable properties, Preservative 12 minimises its impact on the environment, making it a great choice for organic manufacturers. We also source our raw materials from responsible suppliers to reduce our ecological footprint. By choosing Preservative 12 you are not only ensuring the safety and efficacy of your cosmetic formulations but also contributing to a more sustainable and eco-conscious industry.

Why buy from Aromantic

Why Buy from Aromantic?

At Aromantic, we put quality and sustainability first. Our Preservative 12 is vegan, biodegradable, and formaldehyde-free and palm-free. We ship worldwide, so formulators globally can get our ingredients.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Is Preservative 12 natural?

A: No, Preservative 12 is a synthetic ingredient. While it is biodegradable and clean beauty compliant, it is not considered a natural preservative.

 

Q: Can I use Preservative 12 in anhydrous formulations?

A: No, Preservative 12 is not suitable for anhydrous formulations. It is specifically designed for water-containing products to provide effective broad-spectrum preservation. For anhydrous products, consider preservatives suitable for such systems.

 

Q: Does Preservative 12 affect the colour or scent of my product?

A: Colourless with a slight odour, minimal impact on product aesthetics.

 

Q: Can Preservative 12 cause skin irritation?

A: While Preservative 12 prevents microbial contamination, using it above the recommended concentration can cause skin irritation. Follow formulation guidelines to ensure safety and efficacy, especially in water-based products.

Safety & Efficacy

Safety and Efficacy

Preservative 12 has been extensively tested for safety and efficacy; it’s broad spectrum against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and mould fungi. Stable in various formulations, including creams, lotions, and serum, it remains effective throughout the product's shelf life. Preservative 12 is partially soluble in water-based products and more soluble in oil-based products; it’s a versatile preservative for many applications. With a very slight odour and colourless liquid form, Preservative 12 doesn’t affect the aesthetic properties of the final product and meets the high standards of the cosmetic industry. So it’s a great choice for formulators looking for a reliable and effective preservative that maintains the integrity and appeal of their products.

Recipes & Blends

Click on the links below to be directed to some great recipes featuring Preservative 12:

Skin Rejuvenating Serum Daily Moisturiser Technical Documents

Here is a link to all non-batch-specific documents for this product: Link to Technical Documents

If you have any questions about the documents or need the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for a product that you have received, please request that here.

Pairs well with

Related Products / Pair with

Hyaluronic Acid Eco 100% Powder – Hydrates the skin in formulations.

Eco Marine Algae Extract – Skin conditioning benefits.

Organic Jojoba Oil – Emollient for various formulations.

D Panthenol – Moisturises and improves skin texture.

Use Preservative 12 and keep your products safe and clean.