The controversy of preservatives in products exists till today. As all of you know, inappropriate preservation may result in adverse effects to the health of consumers. Even so “preservatives-free” claims gained popularity. This term is misleading and can instil the idea that preservatives are unnecessary and harmful. However, this is not true. Preservation is mandated by the FDA stating that products sold to the general public must be free from contamination and safe for use when it is applied to the body.
In this article we will touch on importance of preservatives, determining preservation efficacy, preservatives market trends and regulations and preservatives used in cosmetics.
Cosmetics are breeding grounds for microorganisms. They are made around skin pH (4-6) which is optimal for bacteria and fungi to thrive. Water is a large constituent of these products and recent trends where natural plant extracts are preferred provides a prime environment with nutrients and vitamins that facilitate microbe growth.
These microorganisms are not visible to the naked eye and we cannot determine if a product is sufficiently preserved just by looking and smelling. Several tests have been recommended by different laboratories, but the challenge test remains the method adopted by the international regulations.
A challenge test determines the stability and efficacy of a preservation system overtime. It is conducted during product development where a specific quantity of product is inoculated with known amounts of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
The test runs over a period of 28 days and the mortality rate is measured in relation to the acceptance criteria set by official regulators.
It is recommended that the preservation efficacy is determined in these occasions
With a general idea on how to ensure that your product is well-preserved, we will dive into some of the trends and common preservatives used in the cosmetics industry to help you select the right preservation system for your product.
Over many years, global cosmetic manufacturers are looking for the best option to preserve their products while minimising the impact to consumers. Here are 4 major trends that dominates the preservatives market.
As seen above, most preservatives have their own strengths and weaknesses. A good rule of thumb is to use a blend of preservatives. There is no one size fits all and to provide broad spectrum activity against both bacteria and fungi, a product should include more than one type of preservative.
Click here to read more on Multi-functional Preservative-Free Solutions: Troycare EPP series
Peptides are powerful ingredients that can bring strong efficacy in personal care formulation, but these are expensive. How to get access into these? Read on the solutions that we have from this blog.
Have you ever planned to make a skin care product with fermentation concept? We have a moisturising agent based on fermentation mechanism here. Read more from here.
Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on whatsapp Share on telegram Share on email Choosing the right emulsifier for your formulation can be difficult. In an ideal emulsion, the
Copyright © 2023 Maha Chemicals (Asia) Pte Ltd
