Why preserved water is sold in glass, and what the preservative does to some polymers

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Benzyl alcohol is a moderately good solvent for aromatic polymers and plasticisers. It attacks polystyrene, swells some rubbers, and can leach additives from polyvinyl chloride and other plasticised materials. For this reason bacteriostatic water is packaged in Type I borosilicate glass with bromobutyl or chlorobutyl rubber stoppers, both of which it does not affect. Compatibility with laboratory plastics is a documented property of the preservative and depends on the polymer and the contact time.

Which materials are affected

Polystyrene, used for many culture dishes and some tubes, is softened and crazed by benzyl alcohol. Plasticised polyvinyl chloride can release plasticiser into it. Polycarbonate is attacked slowly. Polypropylene, polyethylene and fluoropolymers are resistant, as are glass and butyl rubbers. These are standard entries in chemical compatibility tables.

The effect at 0.9 per cent in water is far milder than for the neat liquid but is not zero over long contact.

Why glass and butyl

Type I glass is inert to the preservative and to water, and does not leach. Butyl rubber stoppers have low permeability and good resistance to aromatic alcohols, and are the standard closure for preserved injectables. The flip-off aluminium seal holds the stopper and shows whether the vial has been opened.

The 3 mL vials in this pack are glass with a rubber stopper and seal.

Why it is on this page

Because the preservative is a chemical with solvent properties, and those properties are part of what the product is. This page states them; it does not advise on containers for any purpose.

Bacteriostatic water is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE as a diluent for lyophilised research peptides, for laboratory research use only. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
Bacteriostatic Water3 mL × 2AED 99In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

Which materials are affected?

Polystyrene, used for many culture dishes and some tubes, is softened and crazed by benzyl alcohol. Plasticised polyvinyl chloride can release plasticiser into it. Polycarbonate is attacked slowly. Polypropylene, polyethylene and fluoropolymers are resistant, as are glass and butyl rubbers. These are standard entries in chemical compatibility tables.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

Bacteriostatic Water — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.