Preservative for Water-Based Gel Cleanser with Sugar Gel
Question
When using [url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AD%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%A5-thickener/661-sucrose-stearate-sucrose-palmitate.html:2t06tjza]Sugar Gel[/url:2t06tjza] (Sucrose Stearate/Palmitate) to create a gel cleanser formulation that includes water, is it necessary to add a [url=http://www.myskinrecipes.com/shop/34-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A2:2t06tjza]preservative[/url:2t06tjza]?
Answer
Yes, you definitely need to add a preservative when making a gel cleanser with water using Sugar Gel (Sucrose Stearate/Palmitate).
Any cosmetic product that contains water is susceptible to microbial contamination (bacteria, mold, yeast). These microorganisms can cause the product to spoil, change in appearance or odor, and potentially be harmful to the user.
Sugar Gel itself is an emulsifier and thickener, but it does not have preservative properties. Therefore, to ensure the safety and stability of your gel cleanser throughout its shelf life, adding a suitable broad-spectrum preservative is essential.
Some examples of preservatives that could be suitable include:
- NaturePreserve™ Ultra
- Global Guard™ 221
- Mild Preserved™ COS
- Preserve-BSB™
- NaturePreserve™ LB2
Always check the recommended usage rate and pH range for the specific preservative you choose to ensure it is effective in your formulation. It is also highly recommended to perform a challenge test on your final product to confirm the preservative system is sufficient.
Related Products Mentioned
Sucrose Stearate (HLB 16)
Sucrose Palmitate (HLB 16)
Sucrose Stearate (HLB 11)
Sucrose Stearate (HLB 15)
Global Guard™ 221 (pH 2-7, Natural)
Preserve-BSB™ (eq. Optiphen BSB-W)
