Phenonip: Powerful Broad-Spectrum Liquid Preservative for Cosmetic Formulations.
Phenonip is a robust broad-spectrum liquid preservative specifically designed to protect cosmetic formulations from bacteria, yeast, and mold. Famously known for its paraben-based system, it is highly effective in a wide variety of formulations, including emulsions and anhydrous products, due to the oil solubility of its components. Phenonip is ideal for formulations containing botanical or natural ingredients, like extracts or hydrosols, and ensures extended shelf life and safety without formaldehyde release.
Key Features & Benefits
- Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Protection: Provides comprehensive protection against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
- Suitable for Anhydrous and Oil-Soluble Formulations: Works well in anhydrous products, scrubs, lotion bars, and formulations rich in natural ingredients.
- Paraben-Based, Not a Formaldehyde Donor: Contains a mix of effective parabens that prevent microbial growth without the risks associated with formaldehyde donors.
- Heat Stable: Dissolves around 140°F to 160°F, making it ideal for the heated phase of cosmetic formulations.
- Inactivation by Non-Ionic Ingredients: Works well with cetearyl alcohol, but can be inactivated by certain non-ionic ingredients like polysorbate 80 at concentrations of 5%.
Ingredients (Common Name): Phenonip
Ingredients (INCI Name): Phenoxyethanol (and) Methylparaben (and) Ethylparaben (and) Butylparaben (and) Propylparaben (and) Isobutylparaben
CAS Numbers: 122-99-6 (Phenoxyethanol), 99-76-3 (Methylparaben), 120-47-8 (Ethylparaben), 94-26-8 (Butylparaben), 94-13-3 (Propylparaben), 4247-02-3 (Isobutylparaben)
Appearance: Colourless to light straw viscous liquid
Optimal pH Range: 3.0 to 8.0
Solubility: Oil soluble
Recommended Usage Level
For optimal preservation, incorporate Phenonip at a concentration of 0.5% to 1.0% in your formulations.
Suggested Uses
Phenonip is highly versatile and suitable for use in various formulations, including:
- Lotions & Creams: Ideal for water-based emulsions, offering strong preservation while maintaining the integrity of natural ingredients.
- Emulsified Scrubs & Oil-Based Scrubs: Ensures microbial stability in oil-rich or anhydrous formulations.
- Shampoo Bars & Conditioner Bars: Perfect for solid surfactant-based formulations, offering reliable protection during use and storage.
- Lotion Bars & Balm Bars: Preserves stability in formulations with minimal water content.
- Recommended Use: Incorporate Phenonip at a concentration of 0.25% to 1.0% in your formulation.
- Incorporation: Add Phenonip in the heated phase (140°F to 160°F) of your product for best results. When formulating lotions, divide the preservative between the oil and water phases to ensure even distribution.
- Cold Products: If using in cold formulations, dissolve Phenonip in a heated solvent like propylene glycol or glycerin before adding it to your product.
- Surfactant-Based Products: When making shampoo or conditioner bars, add Phenonip to the heated surfactant phase. Be cautious when using non-ionic ingredients like polysorbate 80, which can inactivate the preservative at higher concentrations.
Formulation Tips
- Inactivation by Non-Ionic Ingredients: Phenonip can be inactivated by non-ionic ingredients such as polysorbate 80 at 5%. It is also partially inactivated by polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80 at 2.5%, but it is not affected by cetearyl alcohol.
- Solubility: Since Phenonip is oil-soluble, it works well in anhydrous formulations like oil-based scrubs, lotion bars, and balm bars.
Storage Guidelines
- Storage: Store Phenonip in a tightly sealed container at room temperature. Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Shelf Life: Up to 3 years when stored properly.
Safety Information
- External Use Only: This preservative is intended for external use in cosmetic formulations only and should not be ingested.
- Precautions: Pregnant individuals or those under medical supervision should consult a healthcare professional before using products containing Phenonip.
Why Choose Phenonip?
Phenonip offers unmatched preservative power, ensuring that your products remain safe and stable for prolonged use. Its versatility across a wide range of formulations, combined with its broad-spectrum efficacy, makes it an essential component for formulators. The oil solubility and paraben system offer reliable protection, even in natural formulations rich in botanical ingredients, without the risks associated with formaldehyde donors.
