Solbrol PEH (Euxyl PE 9010): An Effective Broad-Spectrum Preservative

Solbrol PEH, also known as Euxyl PE 9010, is a widely recognized and highly effective preservative blend used across the cosmetic and personal care industries. It combines Phenoxyethanol, a potent antimicrobial agent, with Ethylhexylglycerin, an emollient and preservative enhancer, to provide broad-spectrum protection against microbial contamination. This unique combination not only extends the shelf life of formulations but also ensures that products remain safe for use by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, yeast, and mold.

Key Components:
Phenoxyethanol:
A well-established, globally approved preservative known for its excellent efficacy against bacteria.
Phenoxyethanol is a glycol ether that offers antimicrobial activity primarily against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. It is widely used in cosmetic and personal care products due to its stability, efficacy, and safety profile.
Ethylhexylglycerin:
A multifunctional additive, Ethylhexylglycerin not only enhances the antimicrobial activity of Phenoxyethanol but also provides skin-conditioning benefits. It helps maintain the product’s feel and integrity while contributing to antimicrobial protection against yeast and mold.

Its role as a preservative booster allows for reduced levels of traditional preservatives in formulations, which can be beneficial for sensitive skin types or for meeting consumer demand for lower preservative content.
Benefits and Features:
Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Protection: Solbrol PEH provides strong defense against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeast, and mold. This ensures that formulations remain uncontaminated throughout their shelf life, even after being exposed to air, light, and repeated contact.

Low Usage Levels: Solbrol PEH is effective at low concentrations, typically between 0.5% and 1.1% of the total formulation, making it an economical and efficient preservative choice. The low usage rates also help maintain the texture, consistency, and performance of the end product.

Versatility Across Formulations: This preservative blend is compatible with a wide range of cosmetic and personal care formulations, including emulsions (creams and lotions), aqueous gels, shampoos, body washes, toners, and serums. It is particularly suitable for products that contain water, which are more prone to microbial growth.

Excellent pH Range: Solbrol PEH remains effective across a broad pH range, from 3 to 12. This makes it adaptable for various cosmetic and personal care formulations, offering formulators flexibility in developing products with different pH levels without compromising microbial stability.

Heat Sensitivity: To ensure maximum efficacy, Solbrol PEH should be added to formulations at temperatures below 40°C. Exposure to higher temperatures can reduce the preservative’s effectiveness, so care should be taken during the formulation process.

Improved Skin Compatibility: Ethylhexylglycerin, besides its role in enhancing the antimicrobial properties of Phenoxyethanol, also provides emollient properties, making it beneficial for skin care products. It is known for reducing irritation caused by other preservatives and active ingredients, making Solbrol PEH suitable for sensitive skin formulations.

Applications:
Solbrol PEH is an ideal choice for a wide array of personal care products, such as:

Moisturizers and Creams: Its broad-spectrum preservation helps maintain the freshness of water-based creams and lotions, preventing microbial growth that can spoil the product over time.
Shampoos and Conditioners: As these products are often exposed to air and water, they require robust preservation systems. Solbrol PEH ensures that they remain free from contamination even with repeated use.
Body Washes and Liquid Soaps: These water-rich products are particularly vulnerable to microbial contamination. The dual-action preservative blend ensures their longevity and safety.
Serums and Gels: Due to its compatibility with both oil and water phases, Solbrol PEH works well in emulsions and aqueous solutions, keeping them stable and effective.
Makeup Products: In liquid foundations, primers, and other makeup formulations, Solbrol PEH provides essential preservation without altering the product’s sensory attributes.

Benefits:
Broad-spectrum protection: Effective against bacteria, mold, and yeast.
Enhances shelf life: Extends the shelf life of products, making it suitable for formulations with water.

Low usage levels:
Typically used in low concentrations (0.5% to 1.1%), so it doesn’t affect the final product's consistency.

Suitable for various products:
Can be used in creams, lotions, serums, and other personal care formulations.

Usage Considerations:
Compatibility: Works well in a wide range of pH levels (from 3 to 12), making it versatile for different formulations.

Heat sensitivity:
Best added to formulations below 40°C to avoid degradation of its effectiveness.

Usage Rate: 0.5 - 1%
Solubility: Soluble in oils and glycols.
Limited solubility in water.
pH: Functional in a range of up to 8.

Disclaimer: For professional use only; keep out of reach of children and animals, for external use only; avoid eye contact, consult your healthcare provider before use, and wear gloves when handling.