INCI-listed cosmetic preservatives and preservative boosters — phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, benzyl alcohol, and others — with maximum use levels set by cosmetic regulation.
Cosmetic preservatives are the INCI functional class added to water-containing formulas to limit microbial growth over shelf life; in the EU their identities and maximum use levels are fixed by the Cosmetics Regulation (EC No 1223/2009), Annex V. This set covers Annex V-listed actives (phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, benzyl alcohol, chlorphenesin, methylisothiazolinone) and two multifunctional glycol boosters (caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin) that are not themselves Annex V preservatives.
Phenoxyethanol is the most widely used single preservative, with an EU Annex V maximum of 1.0 percent. The real trade-off is pH window against compatibility: the organic-acid preservatives sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate function only in acidic systems below about pH 5.5 and lose function as pH rises, whereas phenoxyethanol works across a wider range and is often paired with a booster. Match the preservative to formula pH and confirm performance by challenge testing (ISO 11930). Confirm regulatory status for your application and jurisdiction.
Methylisothiazolinone is restricted in the EU to rinse-off products under Annex V, with leave-on use withdrawn; state this factually and confirm the rule for your market. Caprylyl glycol and ethylhexylglycerin are classified in the catalog under moisture control and emolliency, so they appear here as preservative-system boosters rather than standalone preservatives, and the seed labels were corrected accordingly. Benzyl alcohol is Annex V-listed and is also a declarable fragrance allergen.
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