Optiphen

ptiphen — Technical & Clean Standards Overview

Optiphen is a globally recognized, broad-spectrum preservative system used in cosmetic and personal care formulations to protect products from microbial contamination. It is a liquid blend composed primarily of phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol, designed to provide effective preservation against bacteria, yeast, and mold. Optiphen is manufactured to cosmetic-grade specifications and does not rely on parabens, formaldehyde donors, or halogenated compounds, supporting its use in modern and clean-leaning formulation systems.

From a formulation standpoint, Optiphen functions as a complete, ready-to-use preservation system suitable for a wide range of emulsified and anhydrous formulations that contain water. Phenoxyethanol provides strong antibacterial protection, while caprylyl glycol contributes antifungal activity and also offers humectant and emollient benefits. This dual-function system enhances preservation efficacy while supporting overall formulation performance. Optiphen is not pH-dependent within typical cosmetic ranges, making it flexible and easy to use across diverse product types.

In finished products, Optiphen helps ensure product safety, shelf life, and consumer confidence without significantly impacting texture, odor, or appearance when used at recommended levels. It is widely used in lotions, creams, serums, cleansers, toners, masks, hair care products, and other water-containing cosmetic systems. Because it is oil-soluble but dispersible in water systems, Optiphen can be incorporated during cool-down or post-emulsification with proper mixing.

From a clean standards and safety perspective, Optiphen is widely accepted across global cosmetic regulatory frameworks and has an extensive history of safe use. While phenoxyethanol is synthetically produced, it is broadly permitted in clean and modern cosmetic formulations when used within regulated limits. Its effectiveness, versatility, and transparency in use levels support its inclusion in ingredient offerings carefully selected by Suncoast PCP for dependable cosmetic formulation performance.

Suncoast PCP carefully selects Optiphen based on reliability, formulation flexibility, and broad-spectrum preservation performance, ensuring consistent protection across a wide range of skincare and haircare applications while aligning with clean and modern formulation standards.

Ingredient Identification

INCI Names: Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol
CAS Numbers: 122-99-6 (Phenoxyethanol), 1117-86-8 (Caprylyl Glycol)

Physical & Technical Properties

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Solubility: Oil soluble; dispersible in water
pH Range: Effective across typical cosmetic pH ranges
Functional Role: Broad-spectrum preservative system

Typical Usage Levels (Cosmetic Applications)

Lotions and Creams: 0.5–1.0%
Serums and Toners: 0.5–1.0%
Cleansers and Wash-Off Products: 0.5–1.0%
Hair Care Products: 0.5–1.0%

Actual usage levels depend on formulation complexity, water content, and overall preservation strategy.

DIY Education and Formulation Guidance

For DIY formulators, Optiphen is straightforward to use and well suited for beginner and advanced formulations alike. It is typically added during the cool-down phase below 40–45 °C to preserve efficacy. Proper mixing is essential to ensure uniform distribution throughout the formulation.

Optiphen is not compatible with systems containing formaldehyde donors and should not be combined with strong oxidizers. It is a complete preservative system and does not usually require additional antimicrobial boosters, though compatibility testing is always recommended.

Formulation Compatibility & Common Combinations

Optiphen is compatible with most emulsifiers, surfactants, humectants, botanical extracts, and active ingredients. It performs well in both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, as well as gels and lotions. It may be paired with chelators such as sodium phytate or EDTA to further support preservation efficacy.

Shelf Life, Storage, and Packaging

Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months under recommended storage conditions
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry environment away from direct light
Packaging Recommendations: HDPE bottles, lined containers, or amber plastic packaging
Handling Notes: Protect from contamination and tightly reseal after use

Regulatory & Safety Notes

• Regulatory Status: Approved for cosmetic use globally, including the United States and European Union
  Maximum Use Level: Phenoxyethanol permitted up to 1.0% in cosmetic formulations
  California Proposition 65: Not listed
  EWG Context: Generally categorized as moderate hazard due to phenoxyethanol content
  Irritation and Sensitization: Generally well tolerated at recommended cosmetic use levels
  Clean Beauty Compatibility: Paraben-free, formaldehyde-donor-free, and widely accepted in clean and modern formulation frameworks