NaturePreserve™ Preservatives: Limitations, Shelf Life, and Usage

Asked by: antnito On: August 03, 2015 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

Could you please provide detailed information about the NaturePreserve™ range of preservatives, specifically addressing the following points for both NaturePreserve™ Ultra and NaturePreserve™ LB2:

  1. What are the specific limitations for each product, including:
    • Recommended pH range for optimal performance?
    • Any ingredients they should not be used with (e.g., Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid))?
    • Their heat tolerance during processing?
  2. What are the recommended usage rates for each preservative?
  3. What is the recommended shelf life for each product when stored properly?
  4. Is a challenge test required before selling products containing these preservatives to confirm effectiveness?

Also, could you clarify the general expected shelf life for products preserved with standard preservatives?

Answer

NaturePreserve™ Preservatives: Limitations and Shelf Life

There are two main products under the NaturePreserve™ name, each with specific usage limitations and recommended shelf life:

NaturePreserve™ Ultra (Gluconolactone & Sodium Benzoate)

  • Limitations:
    • Works best in a pH range of 3-6. If your formula is outside this range, the pH should be adjusted.
    • Do not use together with Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid).
    • It is heat tolerant.
    • Recommended usage rate is 0.75-2.0%, depending on the product type and potential for contamination.
    • A challenge test is required before selling products containing this preservative to confirm its effectiveness in your specific formula.
  • Shelf Life: The product has a minimum shelf life of 3 years when stored properly.

NaturePreserve™ LB2

  • Limitations:
    • Effective in a pH range of 2.0-6.5. Avoid using in formulations with a higher pH.
    • Avoid heat exceeding 50°C during processing.
    • Recommended usage rate is 0.5-1.0%.
    • Like all preservatives, a challenge test is necessary to ensure its efficacy in your final product formulation.
  • Shelf Life: The product has a shelf life of at least 2 years when stored properly.

Regarding the general question about preservative shelf life, the standard testing for preservative efficacy typically ensures protection for at least 2 years, aligning with the shelf life of NaturePreserve™ LB2. NaturePreserve™ Ultra offers a longer minimum shelf life of 3 years.