Preservative is crucial materials in any water based products. It prevents microbial growth and it will not be absorbed into your skin. You can also check the maximum level allowed in finished products on cosIng website. I have been using three different preservatives brands.
Plantaserv E / Euxyl PE 9010
INCI: Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Appearance: Clear colourless liquid
Odour: Characteristic
Viscosity: Medium
Solubility: It is soluble in water and alcohol bases.
pH:Up to 12
The maximum level that I always use in my final products is 1%. I found that if I used more than 2 products with this preservatives, it irritated my skin. My skin type is dry.
Plantaserv M / Geogard ECT
INCI: Benzyl alcohol, Salicylic acid, Glycerine, Sorbic acid
Appearance: Clear colourless liquid
Odour: Characteristic, nutty smell
Viscosity: Medium
Solubility: It is soluble in water
pH: 3- 8
The maximum level that I always use in my final products is 1%. I found that my skin never react to this preservatives.
Geogard 221/Plantaserv A
INCI: Dehydroacetic acid (DHA), Benzyl alcohol
Appearance: Pale yellow liquid
Odour: Characteristic, It has some funky smell
Viscosity: Medium
Solubility: It is soluble in water
pH: 3 – 6
The maximum level that I always use in my final products is 1%. The smell is very strong and unpleasant. I recommended to mask it with essential oil. My skin never react to this preservatives but I can’t stand the smell.