Emulsifier and Preservative Recommendations for Organic/Sensitive Skin Lotion

For your organic or sensitive skin lotion using cold-pressed coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils, here are some suitable emulsifier and preservative options:

Emulsifiers

Consider these natural-origin O/W emulsifiers known for their compatibility with sensitive skin and ability to create pleasant textures:

• Sucrose Cream Maker™: This is a 100% natural-based, nonionic O/W emulsifier. It helps create stable emulsions with a silky, velvety feel and is suitable for sensitive skin. Use at 2-4% by mixing into the oil phase.
• Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate: Another 100% natural O/W emulsifier that creates a lamellar structure, resulting in a good texture suitable for sensitive skin. Use at 1-10% by mixing into the oil phase.
• Emulsifying Beeswax (Non-Ionic, Natural): A natural emulsifier and thickener derived from beeswax. It's suitable for natural formulas and can provide a protective coating, good for dry skin. Use at 0.5-5% by dissolving in the oil phase. It works well in formulas with a pH of 3.0-10.0.

Choose the emulsifier based on the desired feel and stability for your lotion.

Preservatives

Selecting a suitable preservative is crucial for the safety and shelf life of your lotion, especially for sensitive skin formulas. Here are some natural-origin or mild options:

• Probio-Protect™: A unique probiotic-based preservative derived from Lactobacillus ferment. It can allow for "preservative-free" claims and offers the added benefit of moisturizing the skin. It's a broad-spectrum preservative. Use at 0.5-4.0% (recommended 2.0%) by dissolving in the water phase, avoiding heat.
• Coco-Preserve™: A broad-spectrum preservative sourced from coconut extract, making it of natural origin. It is effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold and works in a pH range of 4-8. Use at 0.8-1.5% for O/W emulsions by dissolving in the water portion, avoiding heat above 50°C.
• NaturePreserve™ LB2: This is a natural-origin broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent. It is particularly effective at lower pH values (2.0-6.5). Use at 0.5-1.0% by dissolving in the water portion, avoiding heat above 50°C.
• Global Guard™ 221: A natural, water-soluble broad-spectrum preservative that is globally approved. It is effective in a pH range of 2-7. Use at 0.5-1.1% by mixing in any step, ensuring the temperature is below 45°C.

When incorporating essential oils, ensure they are compatible with your chosen emulsifier and preservative system. Always perform a challenge test on your final formulation to confirm the efficacy of the preservative.