Optimization of Chlorphenesin Concentration and Solubilizer for Wet Wipes Through Challenge and Accelerated Stability Tests

Abstract

The household health equipment industry, particularly wet wipes, is growing rapidly, with a projected CAGR of 2.60%. Key concerns include microbial contamination and high preservative concentrations causing skin irritation. This study aimed to optimize the concentration and type of chlorphenesin solvent used as a preservative to mitigate these issues. The study tested chlorphenesin at concentrations of 0.20%, 0.25%, and 0.30% with two solvents, propylene glycol and ethanol. Two experimental tests were conducted: the challenge test, which focused on the ability of the preservative system to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus brasiliensis, over 28 days, on the other hand, the accelerated stability test, focused to evaluates the preservative's ability to maintain the physicochemical properties of the product, including visual appearance, aroma, sensory attributes, and pH, over a period of 6 months under extreme conditions (40 oC; 75% RH). This study found that the formulation with 0.30% chlorphenesin, using either propylene glycol or ethanol as a solvent, showed the best reduction against pathogenic microorganisms (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, and A. brasiliensis) on the second day of the challenge test. In the accelerated stability test, the formulation with 0.30% chlorphenesin and propylene glycol received the highest score (9.000) across all parameters (visual, homogeneity, odor, and sensory applications), However, at the same concentration, when ethanol was used as the solvent, the formulation exhibited lower scores in odor and sensory applications. Therefore, the recommended formulation for wet wipes is formula containing 0.30% chlorphenesin with propylene glycol as the solvent.