72 SKIN MICROBIOME
Result of the sniff test - 0.3% ethylhexylglycerin against 0.1% triclosan in an alcohol-based deo formulation 0.3% ethylhexylglycerin is as effective as 0.1% triclosan in an alcohol-based deo formulation
35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
35.3 28.9 24.9 21.5 20.3 22.8 19.5 19.9 10.8 12.8
Result of the sniff test - 0.6% ethylhexylglycerin against 0.3% triclosan a silicone-based, alcohol-free deo formulation 0.6% ethylhexylglycerin is at least as effective as 0.3% triclosan in a silicone-based, alcohol-free deo formulation
35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
16h after 1 application
24h after 1 application
6h after 10 application
16h after 11 application
24h after 12 application
0.3% ethylhexylglycerin ■ 0.1% triclosan■ Figure 5: Deodorising efficacy of ethylhexylglycerin.
as finished products is of essential importance. Unsterilised, aged Ethylhexylglycerin shows
many breakdown products that can develop during storage. Unidentified impurities with unknown toxicological profile can negatively influence the safety of the product. The safety of the stabilised Ethylhexylglycerin
has been tested and proven in comprehensive toxicity studies. The constant purity guarantees that no degradation products develop during storage for a minimum of three years.
Ethylhexylglycerin and the influence on the microbiome The common understanding is that a balanced microbiome contributes to healthy skin. Numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the influence of different factors on the composition of the microbiome. In general, the broader the diversity of the skin microbiome the better for skin health. The aim of an exploratory study was to
investigate the effect of one cosmetic product with a preservative in combination with Ethylhexylglycerin on the skin microbiome in comparison to an untreated control area over a long period under realistic use conditions.13 For this study, 23 female and male subjects with
healthy skin on the volar forearms were enrolled. A test product was applied twice daily, the effect of the test product on the skin microbiome was assessed at the beginning of the study (baseline), and after 3 weeks. This study concludes that there are no changes
in the microbiome composition and diversity after 3 weeks of exposure to a cream containing a blend of 0.9 % phenoxyethanol and 0.1 % Ethylhexylglycerin. No depletion of the biodiversity was observed after application of a test product which contained the above combination.
Conclusion Ethylhexylglycerin is a well-researched multifunctional which has seen extensive use since its introduction in 1991. It has become the standard for boosting the activity of preservatives in personal care products, but many of its other benefits have been overlooked or are lost to time. Especially given the current reality, the many unique characteristics of Ethylhexylglycerin deserve renewed attention. Ethylhexylglycerin improves the antimicrobial efficacy of preservatives, improves the skin-feel,
PERSONAL CARE September 2021
and provides moisturisation, it can reduce tackiness in sun, haircare, and lip care products, and it has been shown to be an effective deodorant yet being microbiome friendly.
References 1. Mintel:
https://clients.mintel.com/report/ patent-insights-sensitive-skin?from Search=
%3Ffilters.category%3D1%26filters. product-development%3D2%26last_ filter%3Dcategory#workspace_SpacesStore_ f6f231a3-7006-4c3b-a9c1-86ab1f75b686
2. Grice EA, Kong HH, Conlan S, et al. Topographical and temporal diversity of the human skin microbiome. Science. 2009;324(5931):1190-1192. doi:10.1126/science.1171700
3. Kim HJ, Kim JJ, Myeong NR. et al. Segregation of age-related skin microbiome characteristics by functionality. ci Rep 2019; 9: 16748 (
4. Oh J, Byrd AL, Park M; NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Kong HH, Segre JA. Temporal Stability of the Human Skin Microbiome. Cell. 2016;165(4):854-866. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2016.04.008
5. Modak, Shanta, et al. Gentle-acting skin disinfectants. US 6846846-B2, Unites States Patent and Trademark Office, 25 January 2005
6. Steinhauer, Katrin, et al. Ethylhexylglycerin Impairs Membrane Integrity and Enhances the Lethal Effect of
Phenoxyethanol.PLos ONE 2016; 11(10).
7. Leschke M. Ethylhexylglycerin for Improved Skin Feel. SOFW 2010; 8: 10-14
8. Beilfuss,W. A Multifunctional Ingredient for
Deodorants.SOFW6; 1998: 2-6
9. Bergh M, Magnusson K, Nilsson JLG, Karlberg AT. Formation of formaldehyde and peroxides by air oxidation of high purity polyoxyethylene surfactants Contact Dermatitis 1998; 39: 14-20
10. Karlberg A-T, Bodin A, Matura M. Allergenic activity of an air-oxidized ethoxylated surfactant Contact Dermatitis 2003; 49: 241247
11. Bodin A, Linnerborg M, Nilsson JLG, Karlberg A-T. Structure Elucidation, Synthesis, and Contact Allergenic Activity of a Major Hydroperoxide Formed at Autoxidation of the Ethoxylated Surfactant C12E5 Chemical Research in Toxicology 2003; 16: 575-58
12. Beilfuss W, Gradtke R. Storage-stable compositions of glycerol monoalkyl ethers EP1301168, US6956062
13. Holsten L, Weber K. Effect of preservatives on the skin microbiome 2021
deo C
1.0% propylene glycol
40% ethanol 59% water
SX -
MK - SE CC
- -
CN - CF
- + = growth / - =no growth
Microorgonisms - gram positive bacteria: SX = Staphylococcus xy losus 2 SE = Staphylococcus epidermids CN = Coryne bacterium nephredi MK = Micrococcus kristinae CC = Corynebacterium callunae CF = Coryne bacterium flavescens
Figure 6: Deodorant formula.
www.personalcaremagazine.com -
- - - -
+ + + + + -
+ + + + + +
+ + + + + +
Formulation PC deo A 0.1% triclosan
1.0% propylene glycol
40% ethanol 58.9% water
SX organism Micro Concentration (dilution) 50% 25% 12.5% 6.25% 3.12% - MK - SE CC - -
CN - CF
- deo B
0.3% ethylhexy- lglycerin
1.0% propylene glycol
40% ethanol 58.7% water
SX - MK - SE CC - -
CN - CF
-
- -
-
- - -
- - -
- - -
- -
-
- - -
+ + +
- + +
- -
-
- - -
+ + +
+ + +
- -
-
- - -
+ + +
+ + +
-5
16h after 1 application
24h after 1 application
6h after 10 application
16h after 11 application
24h after 12 application
0.6% ethylhexylglycerin ■ 0.3% triclosan■ 25.2 16.6 15.5 10 -0.9 -0.9 21.9 22.5
18.8 14.1 12.9
% odour reduction
% odour reduction
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