AMTicide Coconut | Lactobacillus (and) Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Usage Rate: 2.0%-4.0%
pH Range: 3-8
Max Temperature: 70°C (158°F)
Solubility: Soluble in water, glycerin and propylene glycol, immiscible with oils
Effective against: Yeast and Mold
Activity: Fungicidal
Stated free from: N/A
Contradictions: N/A
Country Restrictions: N/A
Other Notes: Often used in conjunction with other broad-spectrum preservatives to strengthen activity against yeast and mold. Commonly paired with Leucidal Liquid.
Barguard CP: See Jeecide Cap 2 | Caprylyl Glycol (and) Phenoxyethanol (and) Hexylene Glycol
Caprylyl Glycol | Caprylyl Glycol
Usage Rate: 1-2%
pH Range: “broad”
Max Temperature: 60°C (140°F)
Solubility: Soluble in oil, glycol and alcohol
Effective against: Bacteria
Activity: Biostatic, Humectant
Stated free from:
Contradictions:
Country Restrictions: N/A
Other Notes: Also known as 1,2 Octanediol, Caprylyl Glycol enhances and boosts the activity of other preservatives. It often acts as an emollient, humectant, wetting agent, or viscosity booster in addition to being part of a preservative system
Stated free from: paraben free and formaldehyde free
Contradictions: N/A
Country Restrictions: Sodium Benzoate (and benzoic acid) is the restricting ingredient in Geogard Ultra. It generally comprises 22% of the preservative blend. EU regulations stipulate max concentrations of 2.5% SB for rinse off products, and 0.5% SB for leave on products. Japan regulations stipulate max concentrations of 1.0% SB, US regulations stipulate max concentrations of 5.0% SB
Other Notes: Can cause pH to drift down and might need to be accompanied with Sodium Citrate to stabilize pH. Check the linked document to see manufacturer suggestions. ECOCERT/COSMOS-accepted
Effective against: Microbial growth; Chelators weaken microbes by removing metal ions from cell walls and allowing agents to penetrate and destroy microbes.
Activity: Chelator
Stated free from: N/A
Contradictions: N/A
Country Restrictions: N/A
Other Notes: Acts as a humectant and mild exfoliant depending on the concentration, ECOCERT-approved, May Cause pH to drift down
Stated free from: Paraben free, does contain formaldehyde releasers
Contradictions: None known
Country Restrictions: EU, Japan: restrictions exist due to the ingredient Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Other Notes: Regulatory Profile of Iodopropynyl ButylcarbamateEU: Maximum of 0.02% in rinse off products, maximum of 0.01% in leave on products, maximum of 0.0075% in deodorants/antiperspirants. Not for use in oral hygiene products. Not for use in products for children <3 years except bath products, shower gels, and shampoos JAPAN: Approved for use in all cosmetics; not to be used in aerosols NOTE: MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED USE LEVEL OF 0.05% LIQUID GERMALL PLUS IN A FINISHED FORMULATION RESULTS IN 0.002% IPBC CONCENTRATION–Well within limits!
Solubility: Soluble in water, propylene glycol, glycerin and mineral oil
Effective against:
Activity: Bacteriostatic, Fungistatic
Stated free from: N/A
Contradictions: The use of NeoDefend and L-Ascorbic Acid and Citric Acid in the same cosmetic formulations should be avoided
Country Restrictions: N/A
Other Notes: Can cause pH of formulations to drift down which may require adjusting. NeoDefend’s ingredients are accepted by ECOCERT as preservatives in certified organic cosmetics
More Info: N/A
Optiphen | Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol
Usage Rate: 0.75%-1.5%
pH Range: 0-12
Max Temperature: <80ºC (176ºF)
Solubility: Oil soluble, limited water solubility
Effective against: Broad spectrum: highly effective against bacteria, less effective against yeast and mold
Country Restrictions: Should not be used in products intended for children under 7 years old due to the salicylic acid content, not suitable for emulsions containing clay or other insoluble ingredients
More Info: Harnesses the preservative-boosting activity of diols and glycols, with a sulfopolyester quaternary ammonia salt. I could not find much information on this preservative and would be interested in seeing testing and technical data sheets to verify the claims that it isn’t pH dependent. This is a very intriguing option!
Sodium Benzoate | Sodium Benzoate
Usage Rate: up to 1%
pH Range: 3-6
Max Temperature: <60°C (140°F)
Solubility: Water soluble
Effective against: Effective against fungus, some protection against yeast
Activity: Bacteriostatic, Fungistatic
Stated free from: N/A
Contradictions: Inactivated by non-ionics and high pH
Country Restrictions: EU regulations stipulate max concentrations of 2.5% Sodium benzoate for rinse off products, and 0.5% Sodium benzoate for leave on products. Japan regulations stipulate max concentrations of 1.0% sodium benzoate, US regulations stipulate max concentrations of 5.0% Sodium benzoate
Other Notes: pH may need to be adjusted down to maintain activity. Sodium Benzoate should always be used in conjunction with other preservatives to form a complete system
More Info: N/A
Sorbic Acid | Sorbic Acid (2,4-hexadienoic acid)
Usage Rate: 0.1% – 0.5%
pH Range: 5 or lower
Max Temperature: <60°C (140°F)
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, glycerin, propanediol, some oils, and glycerin. Very slightly soluble in water
Effective against: Effective against mold, fair against yeast, poor against most bacteria
Activity: Fungicidal, Fungistatic,
Stated free from: N/A
Contradictions: N/A
Country Restrictions: N/A
Other Notes: Potassium sorbate is highly soluble in water and is often a better choice for cosmetics
Effective against: Broad spectrum: highly effective against bacteria, and yeast. less effective against mold until the 7-day mark at which point it is equally effective (use hurdle technology)
