INCI-listed cosmetic preservatives and preservative boosters u2014 phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, benzyl alcohol, and others u2014 with maximum use levels set by cosmetic regulation.
Cosmetic preservatives are the INCI functional class added to water-containing formulas tonlimit microbial growth over shelf life; in the EU their identities and maximum use levels are fixed bynthe Cosmetics Regulation (EC No 1223/2009), Annex V. This set covers Annex V-listed activesn(phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, benzyl alcohol, chlorphenesin, methylisothiazolinone)nand two multifunctional glycol boosters (caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin) that are not themselvesnAnnex V preservatives.
nnPhenoxyethanol is the most widely used single preservative, with an EU Annex V maximum of 1.0 percent.nThe real trade-off is pH window against compatibility: the organic-acid preservatives sodium benzoate andnpotassium sorbate function only in acidic systems below about pH 5.5 and lose function as pH rises, whereasnphenoxyethanol works across a wider range and is often paired with a booster. Match the preservative tonformula pH and confirm performance by challenge testing (ISO 11930). Confirm regulatory status for yournapplication and jurisdiction.
nnMethylisothiazolinone is restricted in the EU to rinse-off products under Annex V, with leave-on usenwithdrawn; state this factually and confirm the rule for your market. Caprylyl glycol and ethylhexylglycerinnare classified in the catalog under moisture control and emolliency, so they appear here as preservative-systemnboosters rather than standalone preservatives, and the seed labels were corrected accordingly. Benzyl alcoholnis Annex V-listed and is also a declarable fragrance allergen.
nWe use cookies and similar technologies for analytics and to improve our Site, and — with your consent — for marketing and B2B visitor identification. Choose what to allow. See our Privacy Policy.