ZLEY®BIOCARE-PPD – Phenoxypropanediol (CAS 538-43-2):
Non-Preservative Antimicrobial Synergist for Mild, Safe Formulations

Product Overview
ZLEY®BIOCARE-PPD (INCI: Phenoxypropanediol, chemical name: 3-Phenoxy-1,2-propanediol) is structurally similar to Chlorphenesin. However, it is not classified as a traditional preservative but rather as a synergistic antimicrobial booster.
Phenoxypropanediol inhibits microbial growth by disrupting cell membranes, blocking the transport of cellular matrices in bacteria, and allowing the efflux of certain cellular components to impair normal bacterial metabolism.
As a potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, it is effective against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, molds, and yeasts. It helps reduce the amount of other preservatives needed in formulations, making it an ideal choice for preservative-free concepts and sensitive skin applications.
ZLEY® is a professional supplier of Phenoxypropanediol (CAS 538-43-2), providing stable quality, technical support, and global delivery covering over 60 countries.
ZLEY®BIOCARE-PPD Product Information
| Parameter | Specification |
| INCI Name | Phenoxypropanediol |
| CAS Number | 538-43-2 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystals |
| Key Benefit | Non-preservative antimicrobial synergist (reduces traditional preservative usage) |
| Recommended Usage | Face (incl. neck) / Leave-on: ≤ 0.5% |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and polyols at room temperature (e.g., 1,2-Pentanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, 1,3-Propanediol, etc.) |
| Processing | Pre-dissolve in water or polyols, then add to the formulation and mix thoroughly |
| Suitable Applications | Transparent water-based systems, emulsions, facial cleansers, shampoos, wet wipes – both leave-on and rinse-off products |
Is ZLEY®BIOCARE-PPD Safe?
Yes. It is permitted at ≤0.5% in leave-on facial (including neck) products. It is allowed in the EU, China, the USA, and other major markets. It is not listed as a preservative in regulatory positive lists, offering greater formulation flexibility.
Key Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
| Safe & Mild | Excellent for sensitive skin and “preservative-free” concepts |
| Broad-Spectrum Efficacy | Effective against bacteria, molds, and yeasts |
| Synergistic Booster | Reduces the required amount of traditional preservatives |
| Excellent Compatibility | Works across multiple formulation types |
| Good Stability | Reliable performance under normal manufacturing conditions |
| Cost-Effective | Efficient at low usage levels |
Why Source ZLEY®BIOCARE-PPD from ZLEY®?
With over 20 years of integrated R&D, production, quality control, and sales experience, ZLEY® is committed to providing premium personal care raw materials and customized solutions. Our global delivery network serves customers in over 60 countries.
What Technical Support Can You Expect?
- Formulation Support: Basic formulation recommendations, combination suggestions, and processing guidance
- Regulatory Consulting: Target market compliance assistance
- Quality Assurance: Consistent quality, competitive pricing, and reliable global logistics
- Market Intelligence: Latest trends and ingredient application insights
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Phenoxypropanediol a preservative?
A: No. It is not listed as a preservative in regulatory positive lists (such as EU Annex V). It functions as a synergistic antimicrobial booster that enhances preservation systems while reducing the need for traditional preservatives.
Q2: What is the recommended usage level?
A: The recommended usage level is ≤ 0.5% in leave-on facial (including neck) products. This concentration is compliant with EU, US, and Chinese regulations.
Q3: How does Phenoxypropanediol work?
A: It disrupts microbial cell membranes, blocks cellular matrix transport, and impairs normal bacterial metabolism, effectively inhibiting bacterial, mold, and yeast growth.
Q4: What types of products is it suitable for?
A: It is suitable for transparent water-based systems, emulsions, facial cleansers, shampoos, and wet wipes, for both leave-on and rinse-off applications.
Q5: How can I request samples and technical documentation?
Please contact our export team:
Email: [email protected]
Include your company details, target product type, and target market for the most relevant information.
