How to Add Mild Preservatives to Scrubs

Adding a preservative to your scrub formulation is crucial to prevent microbial growth, especially since scrubs often contain water and natural ingredients. Using a mild preservative helps ensure the product is safe and stable while being gentle on the skin.

Here are some mild preservative options and their typical usage guidelines:

• Mild Preserved Eco™ and Mild Preserved CGZ™: These are gentle options that are not classified as preservatives by the FDA. They also offer humectant properties. The recommended usage rate for general cosmetic formulas is 1.0-1.5%. For products with higher risk of contamination, you can use up to 2.0%. These should generally be mixed in the final step of your formulation when it has cooled.

• Mild Preserved™ COS: This is a broad-spectrum, water-soluble preservative effective in a wide pH range (2-8). The recommended usage rate is 0.75-1.5%. It should be added when the temperature of the formula is below 45°C.

• NaturePreserve™ Ultra: A natural preservative blend (Gluconolactone & Sodium Benzoate) in powder form. It works best in a pH range of 3-6. The recommended usage rate is 0.75-2.0%, with 1.25% often recommended for general products. It should be mixed into the water phase.

Important Considerations:

• Always check the specific instructions and recommended usage rate for the preservative you choose, as it can vary.

• The optimal usage rate can depend on the specific ingredients in your scrub, the packaging, and how the product will be used (e.g., if it will be exposed to water frequently).

• It is highly recommended to perform a challenge test on your final formulation to ensure the preservative system is effective against a broad range of microorganisms under realistic conditions.

Choose the preservative that best fits the pH, ingredients, and desired properties of your scrub formulation.