Question 1

Can I use this when making hair moisturizer?

Accepted Answer

I have a couple of hair conditioner recipes that call for optiphen as a ingredient at 2.5 oz optiphen per 8 oz bottle of conditioner.

Question 2

What's the difference between Optiphen and Optiphen plus?

Accepted Answer

Optiphen and Optiphen Plus are both preservatives commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. However, there are some differences between the two:

1. Ingredients:
   - Optiphen: Optiphen is a liquid preservative composed of Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol. Phenoxyethanol is a commonly used preservative in cosmetics and personal care products, while Caprylyl Glycol is often used as a skin conditioning agent and co-preservative.

- Optiphen Plus: Optiphen Plus is also a liquid preservative, but it contains a different combination of ingredients. It consists of Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, and Sorbic Acid. Sorbic Acid is another preservative that helps to enhance the broad-spectrum protection of Optiphen Plus.

2. Efficacy:
   - Optiphen: Optiphen is effective at preventing the growth of bacteria and yeast in cosmetics and personal care products, but it may not be as effective against molds.

- Optiphen Plus: Optiphen Plus offers a broader spectrum of preservation. The addition of Sorbic Acid in Optiphen Plus enhances its ability to inhibit the growth of molds in addition to bacteria and yeast.

3. pH Range:
   - Optiphen: Optiphen is effective in a pH range of 4.0 to 8.0, which makes it suitable for a wide range of cosmetic formulations.

- Optiphen Plus: Optiphen Plus is also effective in a pH range of 4.0 to 8.0, making it versatile for various cosmetic products.

4. Usage and Application:
   - Both Optiphen and Optiphen Plus are typically used at a recommended usage rate of 0.5% to 1.5% of the total product weight, depending on the specific formulation and preservation needs.

In summary, the main difference between Optiphen and Optiphen Plus is the inclusion of Sorbic Acid in Optiphen Plus, which provides enhanced protection against molds in addition to bacteria and yeast. Depending on your specific formulation and preservation requirements, you may choose one over the other. Always follow the recommended usage rates and guidelines provided by the manufacturer when incorporating these preservatives into your cosmetic or personal care product formulations.

Question 3

Is there a guidebook somewhere 2 help those of us who aren't professional chemist 👨🏾‍🔬 on how 2 add these various preservatives to our concoctions?

Accepted Answer

You need to do the research and put the time in or purchase recipes with calculations.  Each recipe /concoction will have its own requirements.  Depending on the product and water content these vary so drastically.  I’d start with purchasing a course or book by a reputable source.  Please don’t go off of a online personality as they can give you some very bad advice and incorrect.

Question 4

How much do you add per cup for lotion, scrub etc? can you use it in soap products?  How long does it preserve the product

Accepted Answer

1% or half I used mine in lotion, body wash shampoo. I don't know what other to add without causing a benzene issue so I chose optiphen the regular one

Item part number	N
Package Dimensions	14.5 x 10.79 x 4.29 cm; 28.35 g
ASIN	B08YYBW5NF

Optiphen Preservative (1 Oz / 30 mL) Optiphen Natural Preservative for Cosmetics Water Soluble Paraben Free Broad Spectrum Preservative for Lotion Making by Talsen Chemicals

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