Preservatives for Powder and Gel Formulations

Here are some preservatives suitable for powder/dry products and gel formulations:

Preservatives for Powder/Dry Products

For powder or dry cosmetic products, preservatives are typically added during the manufacturing process, often in the water phase before drying or by blending with the powder. Suitable options include:

• NaturePreserve™ Ultra: A natural powder preservative suitable for powder or dry products, soluble in water, works in pH 3-6.
• Sorbic Acid (Powder): A powder preservative soluble in oil or organic solvents, maximum use rate 0.6%.
• Sodium Dehydroacetate: A white powder preservative soluble in water, maximum use rate 0.6%.
• Iodopropynyl Butyl Carbamate (IPBC, Powder 99%): A powder preservative soluble in ethanol or propylene glycol, effective at very low concentrations (0.01-0.02%).
• Dehydroacetic Acid (99% Powder, Natural Preservative): A powder preservative soluble in ethanol, effective against yeast and mold but should be combined with another preservative for broad-spectrum bacterial control.
• Zinc-Ben: A white powder preservative soluble in water, works in pH 3-8.

Preservatives for Gel Formulations

Gel formulations are typically water-based, requiring water-soluble preservatives. Many liquid and some water-soluble powder preservatives are suitable:

• NaturePreserve™ LB2: Water-soluble liquid, effective in pH 2.0-6.5.
• Global Guard™ 221: Water-soluble liquid, effective in pH 2-7.
• Preserve-BSB™: Water-soluble liquid, effective up to pH 5.5.
• Eye Preserved™: Water-soluble liquid, suitable for sensitive skin formulas, works in pH 3-8 (recommended 3-6.5). Note: Incompatible with anionic thickeners like Carbomer or Xanthan Gum.
• Mild Preserved™ COS: Water-soluble liquid, broad spectrum, odorless, works in pH 2-8.
• Coco-Preserve™: Natural origin, water-soluble liquid, broad spectrum, works in pH 4-8.
• PaeoniaPreserve™: Natural origin, water-soluble liquid, avoid heat above 60°C.
• NaturePreserve™ Ultra: A water-soluble powder that can be added to the water phase of gels, works in pH 3-6.
• Preserve-Free CE85™: Liquid, can be dissolved in water with blending, works in pH 4-9.
• Mild Preserved SC10™: Liquid, limited water solubility but dissolves better with surfactants/emulsifiers, works up to pH 12.
• Mild Preserved CGZ™: Liquid, can be dissolved in water with blending, works in pH 4-9.
• K940 Preservative: Liquid, limited water solubility but better with glycol, broad spectrum, works in pH 2-12.
• Preserve-Free BHL™: Liquid, can be dissolved in water with blending, works in pH 4-9.
• Preserve-Free PHL™: Liquid, can be dissolved in water with blending, works in pH 4-9.
• Sodium Dehydroacetate: A water-soluble powder that can be added to the water phase of gels, works up to 80°C.
• Zinc-Ben: A water-soluble powder that can be added to the water phase of gels, works in pH 3-8.

Important: Always perform a challenge test on your specific formulation to ensure the chosen preservative is effective and suitable.