Euxyl PE 9010

Product Information

CosmySupplies supplies Euxyl PE 9010 (INCI: Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin, CAS: 122-99-6) in India, available in small and bulk quantities. A liquid broad-spectrum preservative effective against bacteria, yeasts, and mould fungi in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic formulations. Globally approved. Effective at pH up to 12. COA available on request. Shipped from Bengaluru across India.

INCI: Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin  |  CAS: 122-99-6 (Phenoxyethanol)  |  Origin: Synthetic  |  Grade: Cosmetic

Functions: Preservative | Antimicrobial | Skin Conditioning Agent (Ethylhexylglycerin component)

Used In: Face Creams | Body Lotions | Serums | Shampoos | Conditioners | Body Washes | Wet Wipes | Colour Cosmetics | Toners | Eye Creams | Hair Care

Broad Spectrum | Globally Approved | Paraben Free | pH Stable | Low Usage Rate

Benefits

•        Functions as a confirmed broad-spectrum preservative, effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, yeasts including Candida albicans, and mould fungi including Aspergillus niger and Penicillium funiculosum, based on MIC testing published in the Schülke TDS.

•        Delivers preservative efficacy at a low use concentration of 0.5 to 1.0% of the total formulation weight, keeping the preservative load in the finished product minimal while maintaining full antimicrobial protection.

•        The Ethylhexylglycerin component functions as a preservative potentiator by disrupting bacterial cell membrane integrity, allowing phenoxyethanol to kill organisms more effectively. A PubMed study (Langsrud et al., 2016, PLOS One) confirmed that EHG at sub-lethal concentrations enhanced the bactericidal effect of phenoxyethanol synergistically, producing greater than 5 log reduction of E. coli after 30 minutes.

•        Remains stable to hydrolysis, temperature variation, and pH changes, and is effective in pH ranges up to 12, giving formulators flexibility to use it across acidic, neutral, and alkaline base systems.

•        Confirmed compatible with anionic surfactants including sulphates, ether sulphates, and sulphosuccinates, and with non-ionic surfactants, making it directly usable in most shampoo and body wash bases without reformulation.

•        Globally approved for cosmetic use: regulated under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annex V entry 29 at maximum 1.0%, confirmed safe by SCCS Final Opinion October 2016 (SCCS/1564/15), and assessed by CIR with a 2007 Final Safety Assessment confirming safety as used.

•        Liquid form with a maximum use temperature above 100 degrees Celsius allows incorporation at any stage of emulsion manufacturing without requiring a cool-down phase, simplifying production process design.

•        Non-foaming at 1.0% in water (DIN 53902 test), confirmed compatible with standard stainless steel, brass, copper, zinc, aluminium, polyethylene, PVC, EPDM, and PTFE production equipment.

Applications

Creams and Lotions: Euxyl PE 9010 is the most commonly used paraben-free preservative in face cream and body lotion formulations globally. It functions as the primary antimicrobial system in emulsions at 0.5 to 1.0%, protecting both the water phase and the oil phase from microbial contamination throughout the product shelf life. Its compatibility with the full range of common emulsifiers and thickeners means it can be dropped into existing emulsion bases without stability adjustment.

Serums and Toners: In water-based serum and toner formulations, Euxyl PE 9010 provides complete preservation at 0.5 to 1.0% without contributing colour or significant odour to a clear formulation. Its limited water solubility (10 g/l at 20 degrees Celsius) means it should be pre-dissolved in a small amount of a polar solvent such as propanediol or glycerin before addition to the water phase for uniform distribution.

Shampoos and Body Washes: In shampoo and surfactant-based cleansing systems, Euxyl PE 9010 maintains antimicrobial efficacy at 0.5 to 1.0%. A critical formulation note: high loads of ethoxylated surfactants may reduce efficacy. Challenge testing is mandatory before finalising the preservation system in an ethoxylated surfactant base.

Wet Wipes: Euxyl PE 9010 is specifically listed in the Schülke TDS as suitable for wet wipes at 0.5 to 1.0%. For wet wipes intended for use on children under 3 in the nappy area, formulators are advised to review current ANSM and EU guidance independently, as this application has been subject to ongoing regulatory discussion in Europe.

Colour Cosmetics: In foundation and eye product formulations, Euxyl PE 9010 provides preservation without causing discolouration. The Schülke TDS confirms no discolouration observed in general compatibility testing. This makes it suitable for use in products where colour stability is a formulation requirement.

How to Use

Addition Method: Euxyl PE 9010 is a liquid and can be added to formulations at any phase. Pre-dissolve in a small amount of propanediol, glycerin, or a polar solvent before addition to the water phase for uniform distribution. Can be added to the emulsion post-manufacture at or below 40 degrees Celsius to minimise any potential volatilisation of phenoxyethanol at elevated temperatures, though the product is stable above 100 degrees Celsius.

For Leave-on Formulations: Use at 0.5 to 1.0% of the total formula weight. The EU and ASEAN maximum permitted concentration is 1.0% for leave-on products. Do not exceed 1.0% in any finished leave-on cosmetic product for sale in India, EU, or ASEAN markets.

For Rinse-off Formulations: Use at 0.5 to 1.0%. Note that high loads of ethoxylated surfactants in shampoo and body wash bases may reduce preservative efficacy. Always complete a challenge test (repeat insult test) for your specific formula before finalising the preservation system.

Challenge Testing: No preservative system should be finalised without a challenge test. 

Claims You Can Make

For your label and marketing:

Preserved With Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin | Paraben Free | Formaldehyde Free | Broad Spectrum Preservation | Globally Approved Preservative

For your formulator brief:

Preservative  | Antimicrobial  | CIR 2007 Final Safety Assessment confirms phenoxyethanol safe as used | SCCS Final Opinion 2016 confirms safe at max 1.0% for all age groups | EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V No. 29 permitted preservative at max 1.0%

For guidance on challenge testing protocol, contact the CosmySupplies team.

WhatsApp | Email: info@cosmysupplies.com

Technical Information

Pairs Well With

Caprylyl Glycol is a natural multifunctional preservative booster that when combined with Euxyl PE 9010 extends the preservation spectrum and allows formulators to reduce the phenoxyethanol load in the finished formula. The combination is particularly relevant for brands positioning as low-irritant or sensitive skin focused, where minimising phenoxyethanol concentration is a formulation objective.

Sodium Benzoate paired with Euxyl PE 9010 in shampoo and rinse-off formulations creates a dual-active preservation system with complementary mechanisms. Sodium Benzoate is water-soluble and effective at low pH, while Euxyl PE 9010 maintains efficacy across the full pH range. The correct ratio depends entirely on your formula pH, surfactant system, and challenge test results.

Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent that enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of phenoxyethanol-based preservative systems by binding metal ions that would otherwise reduce preservative performance. Including EDTA at 0.05 to 0.1% alongside Euxyl PE 9010 is standard practice in professional emulsion formulation and is the reason Akshatha's gel formulations referenced Chelator in the gel-building session.

Glycerin used as the pre-dissolution solvent for Euxyl PE 9010 before incorporation into the water phase improves uniform distribution and reduces the risk of localised phenoxyethanol concentration in the finished emulsion. This is a process note, not a functional pairing in the preservative sense, but it directly affects preservative efficacy in the final product.

Xanthan Gum is routinely included in the same water-gel base as Euxyl PE 9010 in gel formulations. Both are added to the water phase and the combination presents no compatibility issues. Euxyl PE 9010 does not affect the viscosity or clarity of xanthan-gelled systems at recommended use levels, confirming its suitability as the preservative of choice in Akshatha's gel formulation framework.

Important Information

Note for this ingredient: Euxyl PE 9010 is labelled Xn (Harmful) in the Schülke TDS with R-phrases R22 (Harmful if swallowed) and R41 (Risk of serious damage to eyes). Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, rinse with water immediately. Keep out of reach of children. As a raw material for professional formulation use only. Not for direct skin application undiluted. For wet wipes and products intended for the nappy area of children under 3, formulators should review current regulatory guidance in their target market before use. Do not use in products designed to be inhaled.