Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

The Beauty & Personal Care Brand Builder Series

Euxyl PE 9010™

Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin

The Beauty & Personal Care Brand Builder Series

Euxyl PE 9010™

Euxyl PE 9010™ is a broad‑spectrum antimicrobial system composed of phenoxyethanol (about 90 %) and ethylhexylglycerin (around 10 %). Phenoxyethanol is an aromatic ether/alcohol that acts as the primary germicide, while ethylhexylglycerin is a glyceryl ether that reduces the interfacial tension of microbial cell membranes, enhancing the bactericidal and fungicidal activity of phenoxyethanol. This synergistic combination allows effective preservation against Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative bacteria, yeasts and molds at low concentrations. The blend is liquid, colorless and stable over a wide pH range (between 3 and 12), enabling formulators to incorporate it into lotions, creams, serums, aqueous gels and emulsions without destabilizing the formulation or altering viscosity. In addition to its antimicrobial function, ethylhexylglycerin provides mild skin‑conditioning, humectant and deodorant properties, which contribute to the sensory feel and stability of finished products.

In hair‑care formulations, the preservative performs effectively in high‑water, surfactant‑rich environments such as shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and leave‑in treatments. The preservative remains stable in the presence of salts and is effective in both anionic and cationic systems. It can withstand brief heating up to 85 °C during production and exhibits good compatibility with natural raw materials that are susceptible to microbial contamination. Because ethylhexylglycerin boosts the antimicrobial efficacy of phenoxyethanol, the overall preservative load can be reduced, which is valuable for rinse‑off hair‑care products used frequently on the scalp. Its low volatility and minimal odor help maintain fragrance integrity and product aesthetics, making it ideal for transparent gels and wet wipes. As a result, the raw material is widely adopted by cosmetic manufacturers seeking robust preservation with a favorable safety and sensory profile.

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GOOD

Microbiome Balance Agent, Solvent and Preservative

Provide broad‑spectrum antimicrobial protection to prevent bacterial, yeast and mold contamination in cosmetic products.

Used in creams, lotions, serums, gels, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, wet wipes and formulations containing natural raw materials. Typical use levels are 0.5 – 1.0 %.

Formulations for normal to sensitive skin and scalp, including products intended for frequent use or containing natural extracts that increase microbial risk.

“Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin”, PE‑EG preservative system, “Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol”.

Private Label Formulas

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Safety Analysis

The phenoxyethanol component is regulated under EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009 with a maximum concentration of 1 % in ready‑to‑use products. Scientific assessments show that phenoxyethanol has high dermal penetration but is not classified as a skin sensitizer by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), though rare cases of sensitization have been reported. When combined with ethylhexylglycerin at final concentrations around 0.9 %, the mixture was demonstrated to be safe and compliant with regulatory requirements. Ethylhexylglycerin, the co‑preservative, functions as a preservative booster and skin‑conditioning agent. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) data show that undiluted ethylhexylglycerin can be irritating, but formulations containing ≤1 % ethylhexylglycerin were neither skin irritants nor sensitizers in repeated insult patch tests. In animal and human studies, concentrations up to 50 % did not induce skin sensitization, phototoxicity or genotoxicity. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that alkyl glyceryl ethers, including ethylhexylglycerin, have minimal dermal penetration and are safe in the present practices of use and concentration.

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