Phenethyl alcohol is an effective non-traditional preservative agent for cosmetic preparations

Abstract

© 2017 The Authors. Objective: Preservatives are used in the cosmetic products to protect the potential growth of microbes, therefore, to prolong the shelf life of products, and to protect the consumer from infections. However, several preservatives can cause various health problems, and the safety profiles of those preservatives are still unclear. Many natural substances are used in the cosmetic products to substitute the traditional preservatives. The present study deals with the evaluation of conservative nature of phenethyl alcohol (PEA) in three cosmetic formulations (emulsion, cleansing, and conditioner). Methods: Three different concentrations of PEA (0.3%, 1%, and 2.5%) were used in cosmetic formulations. The physical appearance of the formulas was assessed manually, and the antimicrobial nature of PEA and PEA-containing cosmetic formulations was evaluated by agar well plate assay. Results: The use of PEA has not affected the physical appearance and quality of the formulations, except the high concentration of PEA in the cleansing solution, which reduced the foam formation. The minimal required concentration of PEA in emulsions and cleansings was 1.0% and 2.5% in the conditioners. All cosmetic preparations were subjected to antibacterial and antifungal evaluation. The alkaline pH (>8) affected the antimicrobial activity of PEA in a cosmetic product. Conclusion: The results suggested that PEA is a potent non-traditional preservative for the cosmetic formulations, especially, in the emulsion, cleansing solutions, and conditioners.