What is the difference between the regular Optiphen and the Optiphen Plus you suggest?

by Heather

I'm wanting to try my luck at lotions and whips. I saw your recipe and wanted to know if you could tell me the difference and why Optiphen Plus is best. I don't know much about making lotions and such yet.

Also any chance you could put up another soap recipe? I would love to try another of yours. I haven't been disappointed yet. They are all so lovely!

take care and happy holidays,
Heather

Answer:
Hi Heather,

Optiphen is made up of Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol whereas Optiphen Plus also has Sorbic Acid in addition to Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol.

Is one better than the other? Honestly....I don't know. I simply chose the Optiphen Plus because it was the least harmful looking preservative I could find that would still ensure that my lotion would not become a bacterial science experiment.

I would imagine that you can use different preservatives in the recipe. Just follow the instructions on the label. Preservatives are used by percentages...Optiphen Plus is used at a rate of 0.75% to 1.5% of a recipe.

I will be putting up more recipes soon...I've just been taking a bit of a break for the holidays.

Have fun soaping,
Cathy

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What is the difference between the regular Optiphen and the Optiphen Plus you suggest?

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Phenoxyethanol
by: Anonymous

This is a chemical, nothing more.

It is said to produce significant reproductive and developmental toxicity. It is not banned, but restricted in Japan and Europe.

It is especially not recommended for nipple cream because it can depress the central nervous system, may cause vomiting,and may cause diarrhea. These last two lead to dehydration in infants, and we know how dangerous that can be. This information comes directly from the FDA.

We have to wonder why it is not restricted in this country, but we all know that cheap chemicals are the way of cosmetic industry simply for the bottom line.

Answer:

Here is the link to the FDA's article on the use of phenoxyethanol in nipple cream.

This is a quote taken from the 2008 FDA article...

The two potentially harmful ingredients in Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream are chlorphenesin and phenoxyethanol, which may interact with one another to further increase the risk of slow or shallow breathing (respiratory depression) in nursing infants.

Since a nipple cream would be ingested by an infant, it isn't a good idea to use anything in it that cannot be consumed safely.

Whether or not to use a preservative in the manufacture of other handmade cosmetics is a hard choice to make.

On the one hand you have preservatives, which if they are doing their job, means they are providing an environment in which bacteria will not grow or will die. That in itself probably means it's not good for you.

On the other hand, if you do not use these preservatives, it means that harmful bacteria will eventually grow and you will be slathering that onto your skin. Not good either.

There are all natural options but unfortunately they are not full spectrum preservatives and will still allow bacterial growth.

Cathy

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