PE

EsoDant PE is cosmetic-grade 2-Phenoxyethanol, manufactured by Ester India at Nandesari, Vadodara, with a minimum purity of 99.5 % and a free phenol content controlled to 10 ppm maximum. A 5 ppm low-phenol grade (EsoDant PE 5) and a 25 ppm industrial grade (EsoDant PE 25) are also available.

It is a clear, colourless, faintly aromatic liquid with a long history of safe use as a broad-spectrum preservative in personal care, cosmetic and home care formulations, permitted for both leave-on and rinse-off products worldwide. Phenoxyethanol is free from parabens, formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors, isothiazolinones and halogen-organic compounds, and its activity is essentially independent of pH. It is also used as a solvent and fixative for fragrances.

• Broad-spectrum activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and yeast
• Globally approved for leave-on and rinse-off applications at up to 1.0 %
• Free from parabens, formaldehyde donors, isothiazolinones and halogens
• Effective and stable over the full formulation pH range of 3 – 12
• Temperature stable – may be added to formulations up to 80 °C
• Compatible with anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants
• Low free phenol (10 ppm max) – virtually odourless in the finished product
• Ideal base for booster systems: pair with Ethylhexylglycerin (EsoDant 9010), organic acids or caprylyl glycol to extend activity against mould

Personal Care & Cosmetics

• Skin creams, lotions and emulsions
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Body washes and liquid soaps
• Wet wipes and baby wipes
• Serums, toners and micellar waters
• Sun care products
• Colour cosmetics
• Fragrances and perfumery bases

Home Care

• Floor and surface cleaners
• Fabric softeners
• Liquid detergents
• Air fresheners and fragrance products

Typical use levels

EsoDant PE is typically used at 0.5 – 1.0 % by weight in the final formulation. In the European Union, Japan, China and ASEAN the concentration of Phenoxyethanol in the ready-to-use product must not exceed 1.0 %. Used alone, phenoxyethanol is strongest against bacteria and weaker against mould; for leave-on products, or where a lower dose is wanted, combine it with a booster such as Ethylhexylglycerin – supplied ready-blended as EsoDant 9010 – or an organic acid.

Addition to the formulation

A liquid that can be added at any stage of the process where there is good agitation. In emulsions it may be added to the water or the oil phase. Solubility in water is about 2.7 % at 20 °C; in clear aqueous systems add it slowly with vigorous stirring, or pre-dissolve it in a glycol or surfactant concentrate.

Effect of temperature

Stable up to 80 °C with no loss in performance. For systems processed above 80 °C, add during the cooling stage once the batch is below 80 °C.

Effect of pH

Phenoxyethanol is a non-ionisable alcohol, so its activity is essentially independent of pH and it is stable across the entire formulation range of pH 3 – 12 – considerable flexibility compared with organic acid preservatives.

Compatibility

Compatible with anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants and most raw materials used in personal care and home care. High levels of ethoxylated nonionic emulsifiers and solubilisers can reduce the free, active fraction; confirm the use level by challenge testing in such systems.

Europe

• Listed in Annex V, entry 29 of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 at a maximum of 1.0 % – rinse-off and leave-on

Americas

• Approved for use – no restriction on Phenoxyethanol

Asia

• Japan: maximum Phenoxyethanol concentration of 1.0 % – rinse-off and leave-on
• China: maximum Phenoxyethanol concentration of 1.0 %
• ASEAN: harmonised with the European Union at 1.0 %

Regulations are subject to revision. Confirm the status of each component against current local regulation before placing a finished product on the market.

Active against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans; activity against A. brasiliensis is weaker, which is why booster systems such as EsoDant 9010 are recommended for leave-on products. Recommended use levels are guideline starting points; establish preservative efficacy in the final formulation by challenge testing to USP <51> or EP 5.1.3.

Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight, in tightly closed original containers. Retest period 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored as directed. Available in 25 kg and 200 kg HDPE drums and smaller packs.

Please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).