Phenoxyethanol is a solvent with a high boiling point and low volatility. It is an oily liquid at room temperature with a slightly aromatic and astringent taste. At the same time, it is also a hypoallergenic, broad-spectrum and high-efficiency antiseptic and bactericide. It can be dissolved in both water and oil, and is easy to use. Therefore, it has been used more and more frequently in the light industry and daily chemical industry in recent years.
In addition, phenoxyethanol is also useful in other industries, such as as a solvent for stamping, marking, pad and ballpoint pen inks that require penetration; as an ideal solvent for cellulose acetate, resins, dyes, photosensitive materials, etc. ;Used as gas chromatography fixative, chromatographic analysis standard; used as soap and cosmetic fixative, diluent; also used as fish anesthetic to sedate fish, reduce activity, reduce oxygen consumption, reduce CO2 and NH3 excretion , which is convenient for transportation, induction of labor and other operations.
Antiseptic and bactericidal properties of phenoxyethanol
The bactericidal mechanism of phenoxyethanol is to act on the cell membrane, improve the permeability of the cell membrane to potassium ions, and inhibit the enzyme activity (such as malate dehydrogenase) required for cell growth. Phenoxyethanol has specific bacteriostatic activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and its 2% solution or emulsion can be used to treat surface wounds, burns and abscesses infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, it also has bacteriostatic effect on Gram-positive and negative bacteria.
However, phenoxyethanol has poor bacteriostatic effect on fungi, so it is rarely used alone. It is usually used together with other preservatives or antiseptic synergists to increase the antibacterial spectrum and reduce the amount of use. Typically, it is used in combination with ethylhexylglycerol. Germany Shumei Co., Ltd. launched a new preservative product-Euxyl PE9010 for the global market in 2005. This product is obtained by compounding traditional phenoxyethanol and Shumei's unique multifunctional active ingredient ethylhexylglycerol through a unique process.
In fact, neither ethylhexylglycerol nor phenoxyethanol has a strong inhibitory effect on fungi. Looking at the figure below, it can be seen that until 168 hours later, the effect of both on fungi is not obvious. The prepared Euxyl PE9010 has a significant effect on inhibiting fungi. In fact, it is not just preservatives. If other raw materials in cosmetic formulations can be well compounded, it can not only enhance the effect of the product, but also reduce the cost. Therefore, the real research and development of cosmetics is really not just a mixture of several or dozens of raw materials.
Storage and use precautions
This product should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature in a well-ventilated, dry and cool place. During transportation, it should be lightly loaded and unloaded, and no impact should be allowed. This product shows no signs of instability when stored at an ambient temperature of 50°C for up to 12 months. The shelf life is 24 months under normal storage conditions.
Dosage of phenoxyethanol
The "Safety Technical Specification for Cosmetics" (2015 edition) stipulates that phenoxyethanol can be used in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics, with a maximum limit of 1%. That is, as long as it is within the range of 1%, everyone can see the mood to add. Phenoxyethanol has a wide range of pH and temperature stability, and maintains good stability in formulations with pH 3-10. Temperatures below 85°C have no effect on the stability of phenoxyethanol. Therefore, phenoxyethanol is suitable for various production processes and product dosage forms. And because of its mildness, phenoxyethanol can be used in baby products as well as in products such as face masks and wipes.
Phenoxyethanol is a typical chemical synthesis product in cosmetics, but it exists in green tea extract, and there are already natural sources of phenoxyethanol, so it can also be used in products claimed by natural cosmetics. In addition to its function as a preservative, phenoxyethanol can also be used as a solvent for ingredients with low water solubility, such as fragrances or other preservatives. However, it is worth noting that, according to the mechanism and dosage of the thickener, phenoxyethanol sometimes brings about the viscosity change of the formula, so pay attention to the viscosity change when adding it!
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