Preservative 12 

 Product-Description
Preservative No. 12 consists of a combination of Methyl-, Ethyl- and Propylparaben in Phenoxyethanol. It does not contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing substances and conforms to the regulations of the EC cosmetics law.
By the choice of parabenes as the product-base it has to be regarded, that these substances will be desactivated by nonionic or highly ethoxylated surfactants. This fact can make it necessary to adapt the product-formula to the preserving system.

Ranges of Application

Dosage and Processing
Preservative No. 12 is used in cosmetic products in concentrations of 0.3 % to 1.0 %. When preserving simple surfactant-products sometimes dosages of 0.2 % are sufficient.
For the determination of the optimum dosage we recommend a test-preservation, as the efficacy of this preservative is highly influenced by the product-matrix. On demand, our microbiological laboratory will give you the appropriate support.
When worked into products at ambient temperature Preservative No. 12 may be added at any phase of production. If used in emulsion-products Preservative No. 12 is added to the aqueous phase. Heating processes up to 80 °C will be well tolerated.
Especially in aqueous products with low contents of emulsifiers intensive stirring is recommended, to achieve a quantitative solution of the active ingredient.

Product Properties
- Microbiological Profile
The combination of biocides in Preservative No. 12 predominantly shows a microbiostatic spectrum against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. However, at the usual use-levels also growth of fungi and yeast will be prevented.

- Technical Data

- Stability
Preservative No. 12 can be worked into final products at temperatures between 0 °C and 40 °C. PH-tolerance is given for acidic and neutral environment.

- Toxicity and Dermatology
Acute toxicity: LD₅₀ , rat, oral : 1500 mg/kg approx.

Skin-compatibility: The concentrate is slightly irritant to skin, mucous membranes and eyes. At use-levels good skin-compatibility is observed.

- Labelling
According to EC-guideline 91/155 Preservative No. 12 has to be labelled with "Xn" (harmful). In the range of use-concentrations no labelling is necessary.

- Transport and Storage
Preservative No. 12 is not a hazardous substance in the sense of the transport-regulations (GGVE/GGVS/ ADR/RID). Storage is recommended in tight original-containers at temperatures between 5 °C and 25 °C.

INCI-Nomenclature

Handling
During processing of Preservative No. 12 usual precautions for handling of chemicals are to be followed. Avoid contact with skin. Wear goggles and gloves. Clean skin with plenty of water and soap, flush eyes with water and buffer-solution.

Reference: http://cosmeticbaz.tripod.com/preserv12.htm