Optiphen ND

Optiphen® ND / Rokonsal™ ND (in Europe)

Optiphen® ND is another offering in the Optiphen family of preservatives from ISP (now Ashland). It is a complete preservative system and is paraben free and formaldehyde free. It is effective against both Gram-positve and Gram-negative bacteria, mold, and yeast. 

Optiphen® ND is a mild globally-approved preservative consisting of a liquid blend of phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid, and dehydroacetic acid.

Benzoid acid is a simple aromatic carboxylic acid widely distributed in nature in the free state or in the form of salts.  Appreciable amounts are found in gum benzoin, in cranberries, and other like berries. The free acid is found in prunes, ripe cloves and oil of anise seeds.  In additon to being used for cosmetic preservation, it is also used as a preservatives in foods, for pharmaceutical and medicinal uses and as an ingredient in antiseptic ointments for treatment of fungal infections of the skin.

Dehydroacetic acid is a cyclic ketone acid which has antifungal and some antibacterial properties. 

Due to the presence of these organic acids in the system, Optiphen® ND offers broad spectrum protection against bacteria, yeast, and mold and is most effective in applications such as creams and lotions where the pH is not above 6.0.

APPLICATIONS

Optiphen® ND is recommended for use in multiple personal care products including shower gels, shampoos, body washes, creams, lotions, and wet wipes.  Not suitable for anhydrous products, may not be suitable for products that include cationic polymers or quaternary compounds, high concentrations of non-ionics are also to be avoided.

FORMULATION GUIDELINES

• It can be added to any phase of the formulation at temperatures up to 80°C (167°F).
• In aqueous products with low emulsifier content, intensive mixing is recommended to achieve a uniform dispersal of the preservative.
• May be de-activated by non-ionic surfactants and emulsifiers; as a result, these materials should be minimized or avoided. 

Optiphen® ND contains

• Phenoxyethanol        79.0 - 81.0%
• Benzoic Acid              11.5 - 12.5%
• Dehydroacetic Acid     7.7 -   8.3%

While Optiphen ND is classified as a "mild" preservative as formulated, the raw material should be handled with care as the full strength preservative causes severe eye irritation and may cause tissue damage.  Read the MSDS before use and follow recommended guidelines for handling, including Safety Goggles!

Recommended use levels: 0.2% - 1.2%.
Appearance: Colorless to yellowish liquid
Solubility: Water soluble (5g/L @68°F or 0.5%) and oil soluble
pH as supplied: 4.0
Storage: Store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Should be stored at a temperature between 8-25°C (46 - 77°F)

 
INCI: Phenoxyethanol (and) Benzoic Acid (and) Dehydoacetic Acid