Preservatives: What They Are and Why They Matter

In the world of personal care, product safety and longevity are non-negotiable. This is where preservatives play a crucial role.

What Is a Preservative?

A preservative is a substance added to products—like cosmetics, food, medicines, and raw materials—to extend shelf life, prevent spoilage, and inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and yeast. 

 

Key Functions of Preservatives:

• Prevent microbial growth: Shields products from contamination by bacteria, fungi, and mold.
• Delay spoilage: Maintains product freshness and usability over time.
• Protect against oxidation: Some preservatives (such as antioxidants) reduce reactions with oxygen, preventing rancidity or degradation.

Common Types of Preservatives:

• Natural: Vinegar, salt, sugar, citric acid, essential oils.
• Synthetic: Parabens, phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate.

Preservatives are especially important in water-based formulations, where microbial growth is more likely. Products without preservatives must be used quickly or stored under strict conditions to remain safe.

Our Preservatives

Omnicare PEHG

Description: A versatile liquid preservative offering broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, yeast, and mold. Keeps your formulations safe and stable—without compromising on clean beauty values.

INCI: Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin
Type: Broad-spectrum, paraben-free preservative blend

Key Features:

• Broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria, yeast, and mold
• Paraben- and formaldehyde-free
• Works in a wide pH range (3–10)
• Suitable for leave-on, rinse-off, and wet wipe products
• Favoured in natural and "clean beauty" formulations

How It Works:

• Phenoxyethanol is the primary antimicrobial agent.
• Ethylhexylglycerin boosts efficacy and conditions the skin.

Ideal For:

• Lotions, creams, serums
• Hair care (shampoos, conditioners)
• Body washes, facial cleansers
• Eye makeup (e.g., mascaras, eyeliners)
• Sunscreens

Customisation Tips:

• Usage Rate: 0.6% – 1%
• Heat Stability: Can withstand warm processes but avoid exceeding 80°C
• Formulation Testing: Always test for compatibility with your specific formula

Physical & Chemical Properties:

• Appearance: Clear, nearly colourless liquid
• Miscibility: Easily blends with water, alcohols, and glycols

Storage Guidelines:

• Cool, dry, ventilated area
• Avoid open flames or oxidisers
• Use sealed, corrosion-resistant containers
• Wear PPE (gloves, goggles) during handling

Omnicare IT

Description: A high-purity, broad-spectrum liquid preservative ideal for rinse-off personal care products. Helps protect against microbial growth and extend product shelf life without compromising quality.

INCI: Aqua, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride
(Note: Often used in small amounts as a fungistatic agent)

Key Features:

• Strong activity against fungi and mold
• Works well as a fungistatic enhancer in preservative systems
• Low usage rates
• Suitable for water-based products

Ideal For:

• Shampoos & conditioners
• Lotions & emulsions
• Liquid soaps & bubble baths
• Shower gels

Customisation Tips:

• Usage Limit: Max 0.1% (15 ppm active)
• Temperature: Add below 55°C to preserve efficacy
• pH Stability: Keep below pH 8.5

Physical & Chemical Properties:

• Appearance: Colourless to slightly yellowish liquid
• Odour: Mild
• Density (20°C): 1.017 – 1.037 g/cm³
• pH: 3.5 ± 0.3
• Solubility: Water and most alcohols
• Shelf Life: 18 months at 20–25°C in unopened containers

Storage Guidelines:

• Cool, dry, well-ventilated environment
• Use sealed, corrosion-resistant containers
• Always wear PPE when handling

Quick Comparison Table

Preservative	Spectrum	Key Use	Compatible pH	Format
Omnicare PEHG	Broad-spectrum	All-purpose skincare & haircare	3 – 10	Liquid blend
Omnicare IT	Anti-fungal (add-on)	Supplement to boost fungal defense	Up to 8.5	Liquid