ProGuard PE 9010

Product Overview

ProGuard PE 9010 is a highly effective, broad-spectrum liquid preservative blend designed to ensure the microbiological stability of diverse cosmetic formulations. By combining phenoxyethanol with ethylhexylglycerin, this synergistic blend lowers the interfacial tension at microbial cell membranes, significantly enhancing preservation efficacy while remaining gentle on the skin's microbiome. Formulators value this clear, colorless liquid for its exceptional clarity in transparent gels, reliable performance across a wide pH range, and seamless integration into both professional and artisanal skin care formulations.

Key Benefits & Cosmetic Applications

Integrating a robust preservation system is critical for product safety, stability, and longevity. ProGuard PE 9010 offers a balanced, reliable defense against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and mold fungi, making it an indispensable cosmetic raw material for modern formulation.

• Synergistic Broad-Spectrum Protection: The addition of ethylhexylglycerin enhances the antimicrobial activity of phenoxyethanol, providing reliable defense against a wide array of microorganisms without the need for complex, multi-preservative systems.
• Exceptional Clarity for Transparent Formulations: Its clear, colorless liquid form and excellent solubility in polar solvents make it an ideal solution for formulating crystal-clear water-based serums, hydrogels, and micellar waters.
• Wide pH and Temperature Stability: Stable to hydrolysis and effective in pH ranges up to 12, this preservative maintains its integrity and performance in diverse environments, including high-salt systems and varied emulsion types.
• Microbiome-Friendly & Skin Conditioning: Beyond its preservative functions, ethylhexylglycerin acts as a skin-conditioning agent and deodorizing active, supporting a balanced skin microbiome while ensuring product safety.
• Versatile Application Compatibility: Performs exceptionally well in leave-on and rinse-off systems, showing strong chemical compatibility with anionic and non-ionic surfactants, as well as most standard cosmetic ingredients without causing discoloration.

Common Cosmetic Applications

• Transparent Gels & Aqueous Serums
• O/W Emulsions (Creams, Lotions, & Balms)
• Surfactant-Based Cleansers (Rinse-Off)
• Wet Wipes
• "Natural" & Botanical-Heavy Formulations
• Hair Care & Color Cosmetics
  

Technical Profile & Specifications

Formulation & Processing Guidelines

When formulating with ProGuard PE 9010, understanding its physical properties and compatibility matrix is key to achieving a stable, beautifully finished product.

How to Incorporate

• Recommended Phase: Add ProGuard PE 9010 during the cool-down phase of your emulsion (typically below 40°C) or at room temperature for aqueous systems.
• Pre-Solubilization: Because it has limited water solubility (10 g/L at 20°C), it is highly recommended to pre-dissolve the preservative in a polar co-solvent such as propanediol, glycerin, or alcohol before adding it to the water phase. This ensures complete solubilization and prevents cloudiness in transparent gels and serums.
• Temperature Limitations: While the ingredient is highly stable to heat (with a maximum use temperature >100°C), incorporating it at lower cool-down temperatures protects heat-sensitive co-ingredients in your formula.

Compatibility

• Surfactant Synergy: The ingredient exhibits excellent chemical compatibility with anionic (e.g., sulphates, ether sulphates, sulphosuccinates) and non-ionic surfactants.
• Incompatibilities & Limitations: Formulators should note that a high load of ethoxylated surfactants may lead to a loss of preservation efficacy.
• pH & Electrolyte Stability: It is highly effective in pH ranges up to 12 and can tolerate high salt content without compromising its antimicrobial performance.
• Pigment & Ion Compatibility: It shows no interaction with sulphite ions or pigments like TiO2, and does not cause discoloration in standard cosmetic formulations.

Formulation Tips

• Challenge Testing: Because preservation efficacy is highly influenced by the overall formulation matrix, always conduct challenge testing (Preservative Efficacy Testing) to determine the optimum dosage for your specific recipe.
• Production Hygiene: Ensure good manufacturing hygiene and use raw materials with a low initial bioburden to support the preservative system.
• Optical Clarity: For transparent gel systems, verify that the preservative is fully solubilized with the aid of a co-solvent to maintain a crystal-clear finish.

Suggested Applications

• Transparent hydrogels and water-based serums
• O/W (oil-in-water) emulsions and gel creams
• Sulfate-free and traditional liquid cleansers
• Hair care systems, including conditioners and scalp treatments
• Wet wipes and micellar waters

Sustainability & Ethical Profile

ProGuard PE 9010 is a synthetically derived preservative blend, reflecting a natural ingredient index of 0% according to ISO 16128 standards. While not plant-derived, its high efficacy at low usage rates contributes to the overall stability and longevity of cosmetic products, reducing waste and ensuring consumer safety. The ingredients are recognized for their favorable biodegradability profiles and do not contain PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic) or vPvB substances.

In alignment with Crafting Cosmetics sourcing standards, this ingredient is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.

Regulatory & Safety Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This product is supplied as a cosmetic raw material for external use only. It is intended for cosmetic and personal care formulation applications only and should not be used as a finished product.

Technical Documentation

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Specification Sheet (SPEC)
• Technical Data Sheet (TDS)