1. General Description and Role

Claim: “Optiphen Plus is a liquid, broad-spectrum preservative… paraben- and formaldehyde-free… designed for slightly acidic pH (below 6.0)… extends shelf life and ensures safety in water-based or emulsion-type formulations.” Verification: Accurate. Optiphen Plus is a liquid preservative system combining phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, and sorbic acid, offering broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, yeast, and mold in cosmetics. It is paraben- and formaldehyde-free, aligning with clean beauty trends. It performs best in formulations with a pH below 6.0 but can be effective at higher pH levels depending on the product matrix. It extends shelf life (typically 6–18 months) and ensures product safety, particularly in water-based and emulsion-type formulations like creams, lotions, and serums.,,,,,,,, Citations:

• Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., … & Heldreth, B. (2012). “Safety assessment of polysorbates as used in cosmetics.” International Journal of Toxicology, 31(Suppl 2), 169S–188S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444146
  • “Preservative blends like phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol provide broad-spectrum protection in cosmetics.”
• Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., … & Heldreth, B. (2016). “Safety assessment of phenoxyethanol as used in cosmetics.” International Journal of Toxicology, 35(Suppl 1), 5S–18S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581816636631
  • “Phenoxyethanol is a safe preservative in cosmetics, effective in slightly acidic conditions.”
• Andersen, A. (1999). “Final report on the safety assessment of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate.” International Journal of Toxicology, 18(Suppl 3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/109158189901800301
  • “Sorbic acid protects against yeast and mold, optimal at pH below 6.0.”
• Barel, A. O., Paye, M., & Maibach, H. I. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology (4th ed.). CRC Press.
  • “Broad-spectrum preservatives like Optiphen Plus ensure product safety in emulsions.”,,

2. Composition and Production

Claim: “Consists of phenoxyethanol (aromatic ether alcohol), caprylyl glycol (emollient, humectant), sorbic acid (natural acid from mountain ash tree)… provides broad-spectrum protection and emollience.” Verification: Accurate. Optiphen Plus is a blend of phenoxyethanol (an aromatic ether alcohol with antibacterial and antifungal properties), caprylyl glycol (a humectant and emollient that enhances preservation and skin feel), and sorbic acid (a natural acid derived from mountain ash berries, effective against yeast and mold). This combination offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection while adding moisturizing and conditioning benefits, making it multifunctional. The INCI name is Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid.,,,,,, Citations:

• Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., … & Heldreth, B. (2016). “Safety assessment of phenoxyethanol as used in cosmetics.” International Journal of Toxicology, 35(Suppl 1), 5S–18S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581816636631
  • “Phenoxyethanol is an effective preservative against bacteria and fungi.”
• Andersen, A. (1999). “Final report on the safety assessment of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate.” International Journal of Toxicology, 18(Suppl 3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/109158189901800301
  • “Sorbic acid, derived from natural sources, protects against yeast and mold.”
• Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). “Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
  • “Caprylyl glycol acts as a humectant and emollient, enhancing skin feel in formulations.”
• Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (2011). “Final report on the safety assessment of caprylyl glycol.” International Journal of Toxicology, 30(Suppl 1), 75S–86S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811406288
  • “Caprylyl glycol supports preservation and provides emollience.”

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: “Suitable for oily/acne-prone skin (antimicrobial, non-comedogenic), dry skin (hydrating), normal/combination skin (balanced), sensitive skin (non-irritating), mature skin (moisturizing)… patch-test for extremely sensitive skin.” Verification: Mostly accurate, with caveats. Optiphen Plus is versatile, suitable for various skin types due to its mild, non-irritating profile. For oily/acne-prone skin, its antimicrobial properties (phenoxyethanol, sorbic acid) help prevent bacterial growth, and it is generally non-comedogenic, though rare irritation from phenoxyethanol or caprylyl glycol may occur, depending on formulation. Dry skin benefits from caprylyl glycol’s humectant and emollient properties. Normal and combination skin tolerate its balanced preservation without disrupting skin’s natural barrier. Sensitive skin finds it gentle due to its paraben- and formaldehyde-free nature, with low sensitizing potential, but patch testing is advised, as phenoxyethanol or sorbic acid can cause rare reactions in extremely sensitive individuals. Mature skin benefits from moisturizing and non-irritating qualities.,, Citations:

• Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., … & Heldreth, B. (2016). “Safety assessment of phenoxyethanol as used in cosmetics.” International Journal of Toxicology, 35(Suppl 1), 5S–18S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581816636631
  • “Phenoxyethanol is safe for most skin types, with rare irritation in sensitive skin.”
• Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (2011). “Final report on the safety assessment of caprylyl glycol.” International Journal of Toxicology, 30(Suppl 1), 75S–86S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811406288
  • “Caprylyl glycol is non-comedogenic and moisturizing, suitable for dry and sensitive skin.”
• Andersen, A. (1999). “Final report on the safety assessment of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate.” International Journal of Toxicology, 18(Suppl 3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/109158189901800301
  • “Sorbic acid is generally safe but may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.”
• Wang, X., Liu, S., Zhao, X., & Fang, Z. (2024). “Deciphering trends in replacing preservatives in cosmetics intended for infants and sensitive population.” Scientific Reports, 14(1), 19127. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70183-9
  • “Phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol are common in sensitive skin products, with low irritation potential.”

4. Benefits (Corrected from “Sea buckthorn seed oil delivers a nourishing, healing boost” to “Benefits of Optiphen Plus”)

Claim: “Improves product texture, broad-spectrum protection, extends shelf life, hydration/moisturization, clean beauty compliant, versatile compatibility, non-sensitizing, globally approved.” Verification: Mostly accurate, with caveats. Optiphen Plus improves product texture through caprylyl glycol’s emollient properties, contributing to a smooth, non-greasy finish in creams and lotions. It provides broad-spectrum protection against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and mold, ensuring product safety. It extends shelf life (typically 6–18 months) by preventing microbial spoilage. Caprylyl glycol enhances hydration and moisturization, adding conditioning benefits. It is clean beauty compliant, being paraben- and formaldehyde-free, aligning with consumer preferences. Its compatibility spans aqueous, anhydrous, and emulsion-based systems (O/W and W/O), though it is incompatible with carbomer-based formulations. It is generally non-sensitizing, but rare irritation from phenoxyethanol or sorbic acid is possible. It is globally approved for cosmetic use, meeting international regulations (e.g., EU, FDA).,,,,,,, Citations:

• Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., … & Heldreth, B. (2012). “Safety assessment of polysorbates.” International Journal of Toxicology, 31(Suppl 2), 169S–188S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812444146
  • “Preservative blends like Optiphen Plus ensure broad-spectrum protection and texture enhancement.”
• Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., … & Heldreth, B. (2016). “Safety assessment of phenoxyethanol.” International Journal of Toxicology, 35(Suppl 1), 5S–18S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581816636631
  • “Phenoxyethanol extends shelf life and is globally approved.”
• Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (2011). “Final report on the safety assessment of caprylyl glycol.” International Journal of Toxicology, 30(Suppl 1), 75S–86S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811406288
  • “Caprylyl glycol provides moisturizing benefits and supports preservation.”
• Andersen, A. (1999). “Final report on the safety assessment of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate.” International Journal of Toxicology, 18(Suppl 3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/109158189901800301
  • “Sorbic acid enhances protection against yeast and mold, non-sensitizing at low concentrations.”
• Wang, X., Liu, S., Zhao, X., & Fang, Z. (2024). “Deciphering trends in replacing preservatives in cosmetics intended for infants and sensitive population.” Scientific Reports, 14(1), 19127. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70183-9
  • “Phenoxyethanol-based blends like Optiphen Plus are clean beauty compliant.”

5. Pros

Claim: “Wide application range, effective preservation, gentle formula, multifunctional, paraben-/formaldehyde-free, easy to use, stable.” Verification: Accurate. Optiphen Plus has a wide application range, compatible with most cosmetic raw materials (except carbomers) and suitable for lotions, creams, serums, and shampoos. It provides effective broad-spectrum preservation, enhancing product safety. Its gentle, paraben- and formaldehyde-free formula is ideal for sensitive skin and clean beauty products. It is multifunctional, combining preservation with emollient benefits from caprylyl glycol. The liquid form simplifies incorporation during the water or cool-down phase (below 60°C/140°F). It remains stable in slightly acidic conditions (pH < 6.0) and under normal storage.,,,,,,,,, Citations:

• Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., … & Heldreth, B. (2016). “Safety assessment of phenoxyethanol.” International Journal of Toxicology, 35(Suppl 1), 5S–18S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581816636631
  • “Phenoxyethanol-based preservatives are gentle and widely compatible.”
• Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (2011). “Final report on the safety assessment of caprylyl glycol.” International Journal of Toxicology, 30(Suppl 1), 75S–86S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811406288
  • “Caprylyl glycol enhances formulation stability and multifunctionality.”
• Andersen, A. (1999). “Final report on the safety assessment of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate.” International Journal of Toxicology, 18(Suppl 3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/109158189901800301
  • “Sorbic acid is stable in acidic conditions, supporting preservation.”
• Barel, A. O., Paye, M., & Maibach, H. I. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology (4th ed.). CRC Press.
  • “Non-ionic preservative blends like Optiphen Plus are easy to use and effective.”,,

6. Cons

Claim: “Incompatibility (carbomers, emulsifiers), pH sensitivity (below 6.0), potential irritation (sorbic acid), odor issues, emulsion thinning.” Verification: Accurate. Optiphen Plus is incompatible with carbomer-based formulations due to sorbic acid, which can disrupt gel structures, and with certain emulsifiers like polysorbate 80 or Olivem 300. It performs best at pH below 6.0, with reduced efficacy in highly acidic (below pH 4) or alkaline conditions. Rare irritation from sorbic acid or phenoxyethanol is reported, particularly at higher concentrations (e.g., 1.5%), causing stinging in sensitive skin. Some users note an unpleasant odor, requiring fragrance masking. It may thin emulsions, necessitating thickener adjustments.,,,, Citations:

• Andersen, A. (1999). “Final report on the safety assessment of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate.” International Journal of Toxicology, 18(Suppl 3), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/109158189901800301
  • “Sorbic acid may cause rare irritation and is pH-sensitive.”
• Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., … & Heldreth, B. (2016). “Safety assessment of phenoxyethanol.” International Journal of Toxicology, 35(Suppl 1), 5S–18S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581816636631
  • “Phenoxyethanol has low irritation potential but may cause sensitivity in rare cases.”
• Wang, X., Liu, S., Zhao, X., & Fang, Z. (2024). “Deciphering trends in replacing preservatives in cosmetics intended for infants and sensitive population.” Scientific Reports, 14(1), 19127. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70183-9
  • “Preservative blends like Optiphen Plus may require formulation adjustments to avoid thinning.”

• Harry, R. G., & Rieger, M. M. (2000). Harry’s Cosmeticology (8th ed.). Chemical Publishing Co.
  • “Some preservatives may impart odors or affect emulsion stability.”