The continuing discussion of cosmetic preservatives has limited the number of accepted actives that can be practically used. As a result, a number of different methods and materials are being used to boost the activity of the remaining acceptable preservative.

A cosmetic preservative based on a combination of the active ingredient phenoxyethanol and the skin care additive and deodorant active ethylhexylglycerin can be used in many applications. The additional boosting effect of tetrasodium EDTA on preservatives is well known, although the environmental fate of this material has been debated.

To avoid the environmental discussion about complexing agents, readily biodegradable alternatives were tested under reproducible conditions.