Preservatives for Homemade Herbal Hair Mask/Cream

For a homemade herbal hair mask/cream, you need a broad-spectrum preservative that is effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold, especially since herbal extracts can introduce contamination.

Here are the top recommendations, focusing on mildness and suitability for a homemade product:

1. Mild Preserved SC10™ (ID 33147) - Recommended for Ease of Use

This is a highly effective and gentle option that is not classified as a preservative under FDA regulations, allowing your product to be labeled "preservative-free."

• Key Features: Broad-spectrum, gentle, and functions as a humectant (moisture retainer).
• Usage Rate: 1.0-1.5%
• Mixing Method: Can withstand heat up to 80°C for a short time (max 5 minutes). It is best added during the cooling phase of your cream/emulsion formula.

2. Coco-Preserve™ (ID 127207) - Recommended Natural Option

This is a preservative derived from coconut extract, making it an excellent choice for a natural/herbal formulation.

• Key Features: Natural origin, broad-spectrum (effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold), and water-soluble.
• Usage Rate: 0.8-1.5%
• Mixing Method: Dissolve in the water phase. Crucial Note: Avoid heat exceeding 50°C. It must be added when the formula has cooled down.

3. Thyme Care™ (ID 1194) - Natural Option with Caution

This is a natural preservative extracted from Thyme and Bois De Rose.

• Key Features: Natural origin, highly effective (0.8% is sufficient).
• Usage Rate: 0.8%
• Caution: It has a strong natural scent of Thyme, which you may need to mask with a fragrance if you find it too strong for your hair mask.