Cosmetic Formulation Information

Sorbic Acid and Pitera

Sorbic Acid is a preservative, but it is primarily soluble in oil or organic solvents, not water. Therefore, it will not dissolve in water-based ingredients like Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera). The maximum recommended usage rate for Sorbic Acid as a preservative is 0.6%.

Preservatives for Mold and Microbes

Between Sodium Benzoate and Sodium Metabisulfite:

• Sodium Metabisulfite is primarily used as an antioxidant to help maintain the quality of ingredients in formulations. It is not a broad-spectrum preservative effective against mold and various microbes. Its typical usage rate is 0.1-0.2%.
• Sodium Benzoate is a preservative that is effective against fungi (mold and yeast) and some bacteria. It is water-soluble. However, its effectiveness is highly dependent on the pH of the formulation, working best in acidic conditions (typically below pH 5). Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera) has a pH range of 4-7, which is borderline for optimal Sodium Benzoate activity alone. A blend containing Sodium Benzoate, such as NaturePreserve™ Ultra (Gluconolactone & Sodium Benzoate), is designed to work in a pH range of 3-6 and is recommended at 0.75-2.0% for broad-spectrum preservation. If using Sodium Benzoate alone, a typical usage rate is 0.1-0.5%, but its efficacy against all microbes in the pH range of Pitera would need to be confirmed with challenge testing.

For effective preservation against mold and other microbes in a water-based product like Pitera, especially considering Pitera's pH range, a broad-spectrum preservative blend is generally recommended.

Solubility of Alpha Arbutin, B3, and Glucobright in Pitera

• Alpha Arbutin is a water-soluble powder. It should dissolve completely in Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera). The recommended usage rate for Alpha Arbutin is 0.2-2%, with 2% being recommended for skin brightening.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a water-soluble powder. It should dissolve completely in Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera). The recommended usage rate for Niacinamide is 1-10%, with 5% being a common recommendation. It works best in a pH range of 4.0-7.0, which is compatible with Pitera's pH.
• Acetyl Glucosamine (GlucoBright™) is a readily water-soluble powder. It should dissolve completely in Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera). The recommended usage rate for Acetyl Glucosamine is 1-8%, and it is often recommended to use at 4% in combination with Niacinamide (B3) for enhanced whitening effects. It works best in a pH range of 3-7, which is compatible with Pitera's pH.

Therefore, Alpha Arbutin at 2%, Niacinamide (B3) at 5%, and Acetyl Glucosamine (GlucoBright™) at 4% should dissolve completely when mixed into Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera).