Hygiene — Process Challenge

Preservative Systems to Pass Challenge Testing

Preservative booster, chelant, and antimicrobial systems to pass ISO 11930 / PCPC challenge tests
Updated Jun 2026
Solution Approach

RawSource supplies the base chemicals that go into these programs. We can help with product selection, grade matching, and sourcing from multiple origins for supply security.

Typical Formulation Workflow
1
Concept & Claim Definition
Define the product type, sensory and claim targets, and the regulatory and label framework (INCI, regional cosmetic regulations, certifications).
2
Ingredient Selection
Match emollients, emulsifiers, surfactants, actives, preservatives, or rheology modifiers to the formula, skin-feel, and compatibility window.
3
Bench Formulation
Build and stabilize the emulsion or system at the bench, checking pH, viscosity, preservative efficacy, and aesthetics.
4
Stability & Compliance Validation
Run stability and compatibility testing, confirm preservative efficacy, and finalize the INCI, CoA, and documentation.
Recommended Chemistries (5)
Phenoxyethanol
CAS 122-99-6
Specialty Additives
Preservative and carrier solvent
Membrane-disrupting preservative with good Gram-negative and yeast/mold coverage, a backbone of modern challenge-passing systems
Melting Point: 14 °C   Boiling Point: 245 °C at 760 mmHg   Density: 1.104
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Sodium Benzoate, Food Grade
CAS 532-32-1
Specialty Additives
Broad-spectrum preservative in acidic systems
Undissociated benzoic acid penetrates microbes at low pH, covering yeasts/molds in acidic formulas
Physical Description: Dry Powder; Liquid; Pellets or Large Crystals; …   Appearance: White, granules or crystalline powder   Odor: Odorless
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Benzyl Alcohol
CAS 100-51-6
Solvents
Solvent and preservative agent
Broad-spectrum aromatic alcohol that boosts the overall kill and solubilizes other preservatives
Melting Point: -15 °C   Boiling Point: 205 °C at 760 mmHg   Density: 1.05 at 824 °C
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Disodium EDTA (Food Grade)
CAS 139-33-3
Specialty Additives
Metal chelant for formula stability and preservative efficacy
Strips the divalent metals that stabilize Gram-negative outer membranes and biofilms, sharply increasing preservative efficacy
Physical Description: White odorless solid; White odorless crystals   Appearance: White crystalline powder   Melting Point: MP: 242 °C /EDTA disodium dihydrate/
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2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol
CAS 52-51-7
Specialty Additives
Preservation
3241 (2-BROMO-2-NITROPROPANE-1,3-DIOL) · Class
Fast broad-spectrum biocide (Bronopol) that shores up Gram-negative coverage where a primary preservative is marginal
Melting Point: 130–133 °C   Boiling Point: 152 °C at 760 mmHg   Density: Relative density (water = 1): 1.9
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Our team can help with grade selection, dosage guidance, and multi-origin sourcing.

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