In modern personal and home care formulations, effective preservation is critical for product safety, stability, and shelf life. One preservative system that has gained wide global acceptance is EUXYL™ PE 9010.
This blog provides a complete technical overview of EUXYL™ PE 9010, including its chemistry, INCI name, mechanism of action, benefits, applications, usage levels, regulatory status, and future relevance in cosmetic and personal care products.
What is EUXYL™ PE 9010?
EUXYL™ PE 9010 is a liquid, broad-spectrum preservative system designed for use in personal care and cosmetic products. It is especially valued for its mildness, stability, and effectiveness across a wide pH and temperature range. It is commonly used in:
Leave-on and rinse-off products
Hair care products
Skin care formulations
Wet wipes
Transparent gels
Chemistry & INCI Name of EUXYL™ PE 9010
Chemistry Type
- Antimicrobials
- Multifunctional preservative system
- Phenoxyethanol-based blend
INCI / Chemical Name
Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin
This combination delivers synergistic antimicrobial action, making EUXYL™ PE 9010 more effective than single preservatives.
How EUXYL™ PE 9010 Works (Mechanism of Action)
EUXYL™ PE 9010 protects cosmetic products through a dual-action antimicrobial mechanism:
1. Phenoxyethanol
- Disrupts microbial cell membranes
- Highly effective against bacteria
- Provides reliable preservation in water-based systems
2. Ethylhexylglycerin
- Reduces interfacial tension at the microorganism cell membrane
- Enhances penetration of phenoxyethanol
- Boosts overall antimicrobial efficacy
- Acts as a mild skin-conditioning agent
👉 Together, these two components offer strong broad-spectrum protection against:
- Gram-positive bacteria
- Gram-negative bacteria
- Yeast
- Mold
Key Features and Benefits of EUXYL™ PE 9010
✔ Strong Broad-Spectrum Efficacy
Effectively protects formulations from microbial contamination throughout their shelf life.
✔ Mild, Liquid Preservative Blend
- Easy to handle
- Easy to incorporate
- Suitable for sensitive formulations
✔ Ideal for Transparent Gels
Does not affect clarity, making it an excellent choice for:
- Clear shampoos
- Hair gels
- Face washes
- Hand washes
✔ Excellent Stability
- Stable to hydrolysis
- Stable across temperature variations
- Effective over a wide pH range (3–12)
✔ Microbiome-Gentle
Designed to be effective against harmful microorganisms while remaining gentle to the skin microbiome.
Applications of EUXYL™ PE 9010
EUXYL™ PE 9010 is suitable for a wide range of personal care applications.
Application Suitability Table
| Application Type | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Leave-on products | +++ Highly Recommended |
| Rinse-off products | + Suitable |
| Wet wipes | +++ Highly Recommended |
Common Product Categories
- Shampoos
- Conditioners
- Hair serums
- Face creams & lotions
- Sunscreens
- Body washes
- Liquid soaps
- Wet wipes
- Transparent gels
Its flexibility makes it a go-to preservative system for formulators.
Recommended Use Levels
- Typical use level: 0.5 – 1.0%
- Exact dosage depends on:
- Water activity
- Product type
- Microbial risk profile
- Packaging
- Always confirm dosage through preservative efficacy testing (PET / challenge test)
Processing Guidelines
Temperature
- Maximum production temperature: below 120°C
Phase Addition
- Can be added during the cool-down phase
- Compatible with standard cosmetic manufacturing processes
pH Compatibility
- Effective in pH range 3 – 12
- Suitable for acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline formulations
Regulatory & Global Compliance
EUXYL™ PE 9010 complies with major global cosmetic regulations.
Approved Regions
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- European Union
- Japan
- Mexico
- United States
This makes it ideal for international brands and export-oriented formulations.
Technology & Formulation Philosophy
EUXYL™ PE 9010 aligns well with modern “cleaner” formulation requirements.
Free From:
- Formaldehyde donors
- Halogens
- Isothiazolinones
- Parabens
Technology Highlights:
- Multifunctional ingredient system
- Phenoxyethanol-based preservation
- Modern paraben-alternative approach
Why Formulators Choose EUXYL™ PE 9010
Formulators prefer EUXYL™ PE 9010 because it offers:
- Reliable microbial protection
- Ease of formulation
- Broad compatibility with ingredients
- Minimal impact on color, odor, and clarity
- Regulatory confidence across markets
It is particularly useful when:
- Developing transparent products
- Formulating leave-on cosmetics
- Creating export-ready products
Cost Impact on Finished Products
From a manufacturing perspective, EUXYL™ PE 9010 is cost-efficient.
Cost Advantages:
- Low effective use levels
- Reduces need for multiple preservatives
- Minimal impact on final product cost
- Helps avoid reformulation costs due to instability
For brands, it offers excellent value-to-performance ratio.
EUXYL™ PE 9010 in Hair Care Products
In hair care formulations, EUXYL™ PE 9010 is especially valuable because:
- Shampoos and conditioners are water-rich
- Hair products face high microbial exposure
- Transparent hair products require clarity
It helps maintain:
- Product safety
- Shelf life
- Consumer trust
Future Scope of EUXYL™ PE 9010
The demand for mild, globally accepted preservative systems is increasing due to:
- Growth of sensitive skin products
- Expansion of international cosmetic markets
- Regulatory pressure on older preservatives
EUXYL™ PE 9010 is well-positioned to remain a long-term preservative solution in:
- Hair care
- Skin care
- Wet wipes
- Hybrid cosmetic formulations
EUXYL™ PE 9010 vs Traditional Preservatives
Compared to older preservative systems, EUXYL™ PE 9010 offers:
- Better consumer acceptance
- Improved formulation flexibility
- Lower irritation potential (when used correctly)
- Cleaner label positioning
This makes it a preferred choice for modern cosmetic science.
FAQs – EUXYL™ PE 9010
Is EUXYL™ PE 9010 safe for leave-on products?
Yes, when used within recommended limits and properly tested.
Can it be used in natural formulations?
It is commonly used in modern and hybrid formulations, though not certified natural.
Does it affect product clarity?
No, it is ideal for transparent formulations.
Is challenge testing required?
Yes, preservative efficacy testing is always recommended.
Final Conclusion
EUXYL™ PE 9010 is a high-performance, broad-spectrum preservative system that meets the demands of modern cosmetic and personal care formulations. Its mildness, stability, global regulatory acceptance, and formulation flexibility make it a reliable choice for both small manufacturers and large brands.
As the industry continues to evolve toward safer, smarter, and globally compliant products, EUXYL™ PE 9010 will remain a key preservative solution in the personal care sector.