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Why PE91 (Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin) Is Becoming the Go-To Preservative System in Modern Cosmetic Formulations

Introduction: Why PE91(Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycer)in Dominate Modern Preservation

In modern cosmetic formulations, choosing the right preservative system is critical for product safety, regulatory compliance, and market success. As global cosmetic regulations tighten and consumers demand gentler, high-performance formulas, Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin have become one of the most widely adopted preservative combinations worldwide.

The blend of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, commonly known as PE91, is now a benchmark preservative system in skincare, haircare, baby care, and personal care products. This system offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection while maintaining excellent skin compatibility and formulation flexibility.

As an experienced Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin manufacturer and supplier, Suzhou Easy Chemical Co., Ltd provides high-purity PE91 to support modern cosmetic preservation strategies for global brands and OEM manufacturers.

What Is Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin (PE91)?

CAS Numbers:

  • Phenoxyethanol: 122-99-6

  • Ethylhexylglycerin: 70445-33-9

Molecular Formula:

  • Phenoxyethanol: C₈H₁₀O₂

  • Ethylhexylglycerin: C₁₁H₂₄O₃

Molecular Weight:

  • Phenoxyethanol: 138.17 g/mol

  • Ethylhexylglycerin: 204.31 g/mol

Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin is a synergistic cosmetic preservative system composed of two globally approved ingredients:

  • Phenoxyethanol – a highly effective preservative with strong antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria.

  • Ethylhexylglycerin – a multifunctional ingredient that enhances antimicrobial efficacy while acting as a skin-conditioning agent.

When combined, Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin provide enhanced preservation performance compared to single-component systems. Ethylhexylglycerin increases microbial membrane permeability, allowing Phenoxyethanol to work more efficiently at lower concentrations.

This synergy makes Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin one of the most reliable preservative systems in modern cosmetic formulations.

Why Formulators Prefer Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin

Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Protection

The combination of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin delivers effective protection against:

  • Gram-negative bacteria

  • Gram-positive bacteria

  • Yeast

  • Mold

Phenoxyethanol provides the primary antibacterial effect, while Ethylhexylglycerin boosts overall antimicrobial performance. This makes Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin suitable as a standalone preservative system for many water-based cosmetic products.

Skin-Friendly and Suitable for Sensitive Formulations

Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin are widely recognized for their mild and skin-friendly profile. Compared with traditional preservatives, this system shows lower irritation potential when used at recommended levels.

Because Ethylhexylglycerin also functions as a skin-conditioning agent, Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin are frequently used in:

  • Sensitive skin products

  • Baby care formulations

  • Leave-on skincare

This balance between safety and efficacy has driven the widespread adoption of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin in modern cosmetic preservation.

Wide pH Compatibility (pH 3–10)

One of the major technical advantages of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin is their wide pH effectiveness range.

Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin remain stable and effective across pH 3 to 10, making them suitable for:

  • Acidic facial serums

  • Neutral creams and lotions

  • Alkaline rinse-off products

This pH flexibility simplifies formulation development and reduces the need for additional preservative systems.

Excellent Formulation Compatibility

Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin are compatible with a wide variety of cosmetic systems, including:

  • Emulsions (O/W, W/O)

  • Surfactant-based cleansers

  • Alcohol-containing products

  • Low- and high-viscosity formulations

They integrate smoothly into creams, lotions, gels, serums, and wipes without negatively affecting appearance, texture, or fragrance.

Applications of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin

Thanks to their versatility, Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin are widely used across multiple cosmetic and personal care categories.

Skincare

  • Facial serums

  • Moisturizers

  • Anti-aging creams

  • Eye-area products

Hair Care

  • Shampoo

  • Conditioner

  • Hair masks and treatments

Cleansing Products

  • Facial cleansers

  • Micellar water

  • Makeup removers

Baby Care and Sensitive Products

  • Baby lotions

  • Gentle cleansers

  • Sensitive-skin formulas

Wet Wipes and Hygiene Products

  • Personal care wipes

  • Cosmetic wipes

  • Natural-positioned hygiene products

Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin perform well in both leave-on and rinse-off formulations, making them a highly adaptable preservative solution.

Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin for Preservative-Light Formulations

Many brands aim to reduce preservative load while maintaining microbiological safety. Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin support this strategy by offering:

  • High antimicrobial efficacy at low dosage

  • Multifunctional ingredient benefits

  • Simplified ingredient labeling

As a result, Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin are commonly used in preservative-light and modern clean-label cosmetic formulations.

Regulatory Status of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin

Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin are globally approved cosmetic ingredients and comply with major cosmetic regulations, including:

This global acceptance allows cosmetic manufacturers to use Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin in products intended for multiple international markets.

Why Choose Easychem as Your Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin Supplier?

The performance of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin depends on product purity, stability, and consistency.

As a professional Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin manufacturer and supplier, Suzhou Easy Chemical Co., Ltd offers:

We work closely with cosmetic brands, OEM/ODM factories, and formulators to ensure reliable preservation performance in commercial production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin suitable for baby care products?
Yes. Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin are widely used in baby care and sensitive formulations when used within regulatory limits.

Can Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin replace parabens?
Yes. Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin are one of the most common paraben alternatives in modern cosmetic formulations.

What is the typical usage level of Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin?
Typical usage levels range from 0.5% to 1.0%, depending on formulation type and microbial challenge results.

Conclusion: A Reliable Preservative System for the Future

With increasing regulatory pressure and consumer awareness, Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin have become a long-term, future-proof preservative solution for cosmetic manufacturers.

Their broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, skin-friendly profile, wide pH compatibility, and global regulatory acceptance make Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin one of the most trusted preservative systems in modern cosmetics.

Contact a Professional Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin Manufacturer

At Suzhou Easy Chemical Co., Ltd, we supply high-quality Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin (PE91) to customers worldwide.

📩 Contact us today to:

Suzhou easy chemical co. ltd 

388, Dengyun Road,Kunshan, Jiangsu, China 

Email: sales@szeasychem.com 

Contact: Joyce Yu

MB: +86 13962653966

Tel: 0512- 57554186  

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