2-Phenoxy ethanol hemiformal

Phenoxy ethanol is mentioned in the EC positive list of preservatives for cosmetic products (maximum authorized concentration 1%) In general it is applied in combination with other preservatives, such as />-hydroxy benzoic acid esters (Section 6.1.10), l,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane (Section 15.11) and others. More effective is the 2-phenoxy ethanol hemiformal (Section 3.1.3). 

Table 14. Minimum Inhibition Concentrations (MIC) of 2-Phenoxy Ethanol Hemiformal in Nutrient Agar...

As is demonstrated in Table 14 2-phenoxy-ethanol hemiformal is much more effective than 2-phenoxy ethanol itself (see Section 1.7). It may be used alone or in combination with other active ingredients, especially those which exhibit a more fungicidal effect, for the in-can protection of cosmetic products, and also as a preservative for other industrial fluids. Although 2-phenoxy ethanol hemiformal is not mentioned in the EC positive list of preservatives for cosmetic products, there should be no inhibition for this application as it consists of 2-phenoxy ethanol and formaldehyde (addition product) which are registered in the a.m. EC list. Additionally, 2-phenoxy ethanol hemiformal may be regarded as a solvent with antimicrobial effectiveness which proves useful for the formulation of preservatives. 

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