Optiphen is a preservative blend of phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol. Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative made from phenol and ethylene oxide. Caprylyl glycol is a short-chain diol derived from caprylic acid, a fatty acid found naturally in coconut and palm oil. Together they're used in formulations to stop...
How is it used?
Add it at the cool-down phase, after your formula has cooled below about 40°C, since heat can degrade it over time even though it doesn't strictly require cold processing.
Forms
Available forms and grades affect how this ingredient behaves and how it should be selected for a formula.
Appearance
Color, texture, and physical characteristics can vary between suppliers and product grades.
Usage rate
Recommended incorporation levels depend on product type, supplier guidance, and the intended result.
Why we use it
Formulators choose this ingredient for specific performance, sensory, and stability benefits.
Strengths and limitations
Its advantages, compatibility considerations, and practical tradeoffs should be weighed during development.
Alternatives and substitutions
Possible replacements depend on the ingredient's role, desired skin feel, and formulation system.
Storage and shelf life
Appropriate storage conditions help protect quality and performance throughout the ingredient's usable life.
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