Preservative for Natural Coffee & Tamarind Scrub

It is absolutely essential to include a preservative in a scrub containing coffee grounds and tamarind paste. These ingredients have high moisture content and are excellent breeding grounds for microorganisms, making the scrub prone to spoilage or mold growth very quickly without a preservative.

For this scrub formula, you can choose from several types of preservatives. It is recommended to select a broad-spectrum type that can control bacteria, yeast, and mold.

Here are some recommended preservatives with their approximate usage rates:

• PE 1090 Preservative: This is a widely used preservative blend of Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin. It is highly effective, broad-spectrum, and stable up to 80°C. It works well in formulations with a wide pH range.

  • Recommended Usage: 0.5 - 1.0%

• K940 Preservative: This is a high-efficiency broad-spectrum preservative that offers superior microbial control compared to PE 1090. It is stable up to 80°C and effective in a wide pH range.

  • Recommended Usage: 1.0 - 1.5% (1.0-1.5% is generally sufficient for most formulas)

• Coco-Preserve™ (Preservative from Coconut Extract): This is a natural-origin preservative derived from coconut extract. It is water-soluble and provides broad-spectrum control (bacteria, yeast, mold). It is effective in the pH range of 4-8.

  • Recommended Usage: 1.0 - 1.5%
  • Note: Avoid temperatures exceeding 50°C during the mixing process.

Additional Recommendations:

• The exact amount of preservative needed may depend on the specific ratio of ingredients in your formula and the production and storage conditions.
• To ensure maximum preservation effectiveness, it is highly recommended to perform a Challenge Test on your actual scrub formula before producing it for sale.