Cosmetic-Grade Colorless Transparent Liquid Preservative Blend

Product Overview

DropPrev® PCP is a colorless transparent liquid preservative blend based on Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, and Propylene Glycol. The system follows a "primary preservative + potent booster" design logic: Phenoxyethanol provides the broad-spectrum bacterial inhibition foundation, while Caprylhydroxamic Acid specifically delivers strong supplementary action against fungi (particularly moulds and yeasts). Propylene Glycol acts as an excellent solvent and humectant, ensuring system stability and ease of incorporation. DropPrev® PCP is a mature, highly effective, and paraben-free liquid preservation system suitable for creams, lotions, cleansers, and wet wipes.

Application Formats

Creams · Lotions · Cleansers · Wet Wipes · Shampoos · Conditioners · Leave-on & Rinse-off Formulas

Core Mechanism of Action

Phenoxyethanol: The Antibacterial Backbone

Phenoxyethanol is a permitted preservative under cosmetic regulations, primarily effective against bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative). Its mechanism involves acting on the microbial cell membrane, increasing potassium ion permeability, and inhibiting key enzyme activity, thereby blocking bacterial growth. In this system, it forms the foundational line of defense.

Caprylhydroxamic Acid: Potent Antifungal Action

Caprylhydroxamic Acid is an organic acid antimicrobial agent, distinguished by its exceptional antifungal activity (particularly against moulds and yeasts such as Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). It works by chelating trace metal ions (such as iron) essential for microbial growth, disrupting membrane structures and blocking energy metabolism. Since phenoxyethanol has relatively weaker mould inhibition, the addition of Caprylhydroxamic Acid precisely fills this gap, achieving true broad-spectrum balance.

Propylene Glycol: Carrier & Solubilizer

Propylene Glycol not only provides humectant properties but, more importantly, serves as an excellent solvent for Caprylhydroxamic Acid and Phenoxyethanol. It ensures the blend remains in a stable colorless transparent liquid state at room temperature, allowing formulators to add it directly to the aqueous phase in liquid form during production without additional heating or complex pre-dissolving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the main advantages of DropPrev® PCP, and what formulas is it suitable for?

The core advantage of PCP lies in "complementary strengths" and "formulation-friendliness." Phenoxyethanol targets bacteria while Caprylhydroxamic Acid provides potent antifungal action, together achieving true broad-spectrum protection without parabens. As a colorless transparent liquid containing propylene glycol for solubilization, it is extremely convenient for formulators during cold processing (e.g., addition to the aqueous phase), avoiding issues of powder clumping or incomplete dissolution. It is highly suitable for lotions, creams, wet wipes, and cleansers requiring efficient preservation and ease of handling.

Q2: What is the recommended use level, and how do I calculate the compliant Phenoxyethanol concentration?

The recommended use level for DropPrev® PCP is 0.5–1.5%. It is important to note that the regulatory limit for phenoxyethanol in cosmetics is 1.0%. Since PCP is a liquid blend (e.g., assuming phenoxyethanol accounts for 80%), adding 1.5% PCP would result in a pure phenoxyethanol concentration of approximately 1.2%, which exceeds the limit. Therefore, formulation design must be governed by the hard constraint of final phenoxyethanol concentration ≤1.0%, calculating the maximum allowable PCP addition based on the actual product ratio, and confirming the minimum effective use level through challenge testing.