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Safe Preservatives for Cosmetics: Trusted Solutions from a Leading Preservative Manufacturer

In today’s cosmetics industry, safety, stability, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. Whether you are a cosmetic manufacturer, formulator, or private-label brand, choosing safe preservatives for cosmetics is essential to ensure product stability and protect consumers from microbial contamination.

As a professional preservative manufacturer and supplier, Suzhou Easy Chemical Co. Ltd provides high-quality, globally compliant cosmetic preservatives for personal care and home care applications. We combine manufacturing expertise, technical support, and flexible supply capabilities to help formulators achieve both safety and cost efficiency.

1.Why Preservatives Are Indispensable in Cosmetics

Water-based cosmetic formulations — creams, lotions, serums, and shampoos — are ideal environments for bacteria, mold, and yeast. Without proper preservation, even the most elegant formula can spoil within days, leading to product recalls or, worse, consumer health risks.

Safe preservatives not only extend product shelf life but also maintain formulation integrity and meet regulatory requirements such as EU Regulation 1223/2009 and FDA Cosmetic Guidelines.

Microbial contamination can cause:

  • Color or odor changes

  • Texture instability

  • Potential skin irritation or infection

  • Product recall and brand reputation damage

This is why every responsible preservative supplier emphasizes: Preservation is not optional — it’s fundamental.

2.What Makes a Preservative “Safe”?

A “safe preservative” must be effective, non-sensitizing, globally approved, and formulation-compatible. The following factors define true safety for cosmetic preservatives:

✅ Broad-spectrum efficacy

It must effectively inhibit bacteria, yeast, and mold at low concentrations without compromising the product’s sensory or chemical stability.

✅ Toxicological and dermatological safety

Safe preservatives should have low irritation potential and minimal toxicity, ensuring consumer confidence in long-term use.

✅ Regulatory compliance

Approved under major cosmetic regulations:

  • EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) 1223/2009

  • US FDA Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

  • ASEAN Cosmetic Directive

  • China GB Safety Standards for Cosmetics

✅ Formulation compatibility

Preservatives must remain active across a wide pH range and withstand surfactants, emulsifiers, and natural extracts.

3. Types of Safe Preservatives for Cosmetics

As an experienced preservative manufacturer, Easy Chemical supplies a comprehensive portfolio of preservatives designed for different formulation systems — from natural to synthetic, from rinse-off to leave-on products.

3.1. Phenoxyethanol + Chlorphenesin

A globally recognized paraben-free preservative system offering broad-spectrum protection.

  • Benefits: Gentle on skin, stable over a wide pH range (4–8), compatible with surfactants and emulsifiers.

  • Applications: Creams, lotions, toners, makeup, wipes.

>> Contact Easychem to buy Phenoxyethanol+ Chlorphenesin

A proprietary blend developed for personal care and home care applications.

  • Features: Broad antimicrobial efficacy, ≤ 5 ppm phenol content, mild odor, excellent compatibility.

  • Advantages: High efficacy at low dose, eco-friendly profile.

  • Applications: Lotions, shampoos, cleansers, hand wash, baby care.

>> Contact Easychem to buy PE91 Preservative

3.3. PHMB (Polyhexamethylene Biguanide)

A versatile, non-sensitizing biocide commonly used in personal care, eye care and wound care formulations.

  • Features: Strong bactericidal activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

  • Applications: Makeup remover, micellar water, hand sanitizer, deodorant spray.

  • Benefits: Excellent safety profile, low toxicity, broad pH range (4–8).

>> Contact Easychem to buy PHMB

3.4. CMIT/MIT (Methylchloroisothiazolinone / Methylisothiazolinone)

Highly efficient preservative blend suitable for industrial and household care formulations.

  • Features: Strong antimicrobial spectrum at very low dosage.

  • Applications: Shampoos, liquid detergents, household cleaners, wet wipes (non-leave-on).

  • Note: Use within regulatory limits for rinse-off products.

>> Contact Easychem to buy CMIT/MIT (1.5%, 14%)

3.5. Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC 50% / 80%)

A cationic quaternary ammonium compound with powerful bactericidal and antiviral activity.

  • Applications: Personal care sanitizers, hand cleaning formulas, surface disinfection.

  • Advantages: Fast action, low usage rate, broad spectrum efficacy.

>> Contact Easychem to buy BKC50%, BKC80%

3.6. DMDM Hydantoin

A widely used formaldehyde-releasing preservative offering strong antimicrobial activity at low dosage.

  • Features: Cost-effective, broad-spectrum protection against bacteria and fungi.

  • Applications: Shampoos, conditioners, liquid soaps, and bath products.

  • Regulatory note: Approved under EU Annex V with concentration limits.

>> Contact Easychem to buy DMDMH

3.7. Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (IPBC)

An effective fungicidal preservative commonly used in creams, foundations, and wipes.

  • Advantages: Excellent protection against molds and yeasts; compatible with surfactants and emulsifiers.

  • Applications: Emulsions, color cosmetics, deodorants, and hair care.

>> Contact Easychem to buy IPBC 

3.8. Ethylhexylglycerin

A multifunctional additive used as both a preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent.

  • Features: Enhances antimicrobial efficacy of other preservatives such as Phenoxyethanol and Chlorphenesin.

  • Applications: Natural and mild formulations, paraben-free products, baby care.

  • Benefits: Non-irritating, skin-friendly, improves deodorizing performance.

>> Contact Easychem to buy Ethylhexylglycerin

3.9. Caprylyl Glycol

A natural-origin humectant and preservative booster that complements phenoxyethanol or organic acid systems.

  • Applications: Serums, facial creams, and make-up removers.

  • Benefits: Enhances skin feel while providing mild antimicrobial action.

>> Contact Easychem to buy Caprylyl Glycol

3.10.SodiumBenzoate+Potassium Sorbate

A classic food-grade preservative now widely used in clean beauty formulations.

  • Features: Mild, eco-friendly, and globally approved.

  • Applications: Natural cosmetics, baby lotions, and pH 4–6 formulations.

>> Contact Easychem to buy sodium benzoate+potassium sorbate

3.11. Potassium Sorbate

A mild antifungal agent ideal for natural formulations and paraben-free systems.

  • Applications: Creams, toners, shampoos, and cleansers.

  • Benefits: Good solubility and safety record, often used in combination with Sodium Benzoate or PE91.

>> Contact Easychem to buy Potassium Sorbate

3.12. Benzyl Alcohol + Dehydroacetic Acid

A natural-identical preservative blend widely used in eco-certified products.

  • Applications: Organic creams, natural shampoos, leave-on skincare.

  • Features: Approved by COSMOS and ECOCERT.

>> Contact Easychem to buy Potassium Sorbate

Updated Full Product Line (for internal linking)

PreservativeFunctionApplications
PE91Mild, broad-spectrum preservativePersonal care, home care
Phenoxyethanol + ChlorphenesinParaben-free systemLotion, wipes, cream
PHMB 20% / PowderNon-sensitizing biocideMakeup remover, sanitizer
CMIT/MIT 1.5%Industrial & rinse-off useShampoo, detergent
Benzalkonium Chloride 80% / 50%Antimicrobial & antiviralSanitizers, household products
DMDM HydantoinBroad-spectrumShampoo, bath
IPBCAnti-fungalCreams, wipes
EthylhexylglycerinPreservative boosterMild skincare
Caprylyl GlycolHumectant & antimicrobialSerums, facial creams
Sodium BenzoateNatural preservativeBaby care, clean beauty
Potassium SorbateAnti-fungalToner, natural care
Benzyl Alcohol + DHAECOCERT-approvedOrganic products

4. How to Choose the Right Cosmetic Preservative System

When selecting safe preservatives for cosmetics, formulators and manufacturers must consider the following:

Formulation ParameterRecommended PreservativespH RangeRemarks
Water-based formulations (lotions, serums)Phenoxyethanol + Chlorphenesin, PE914 – 8Broad-spectrum and mild
Surfactant systems (shampoo, cleanser)CMIT/MIT, PE91, PHMB5 – 9High tolerance in rinse-off formulas
Natural products and mild formulationsSodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, PE914 – 6Eco-friendly and safe
Home care and industrial cleanersBKC 80%, CMIT/MIT6 – 9Excellent antibacterial and cost-efficient

Our technical team provides custom preservative system design, ensuring compliance with global regulations and compatibility with your unique formulation matrix.

5. Why Choose Easy Chemical as Your Preservative Manufacturer and Supplier

5.1. Full range of cosmetic preservatives

From natural alternatives to broad-spectrum biocides, our product portfolio covers all major preservation needs for personal care and home care products.

5.2. Manufacturing expertise and quality assurance

We operate under ISO and GMP-like production standards, ensuring consistent quality, purity, and traceability for each batch. Every preservative is supplied with TDS, MSDS, and COA certificates.

5.3. Competitive pricing and logistics optimization

By combining multiple ingredients into a single shipment, we help customers reduce freight costs and customs risks. Our efficient supply chain guarantees stable availability and fast delivery.

5.4. Technical support for formulators

Our R&D team helps customers select the right preservatives, optimize dosage, and solve compatibility issues. We also offer challenge testing guidance and regulatory consultation for global markets.

5.5. Global presence and market insight

We supply clients across Asia, Europe, and South America. With deep knowledge of local market demands and regulations, we help customers stay ahead of market trends.

6. Partnering with a Reliable Preservative Factory

Selecting a qualified preservative factory is about more than price — it is about quality assurance, technical know-how, and long-term stability.

When you work with Suzhou Easy Chemical Co. Ltd, you gain a partner that offers:

  • Custom preservative formulation support

  • Flexible MOQ and OEM service

  • Regulatory documents and certifications

  • Efficient global shipping and after-sales assistance

We believe in mutual growth — helping our clients develop safe, stable, and market-ready cosmetic products.

7. Contact Us

Looking for a reliable preservative manufacturer or supplier for your cosmetic and personal care formulations?

Contact Suzhou Easy Chemical Co. Ltd today to request samples, TDS/MSDS, or a custom preservative recommendation.

Suzhou easy chemical co. ltd 

388, Dengyun Road,Kunshan, Jiangsu, China 

Email: sales@szeasychem.com 

Contact: Joyce Yu

MB: +86 13962653966

Tel: 0512- 57554186  

Whatsapp&Wechat: +86 13962653966

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