Natural Emulsifiers and Preservatives for Baby Cream

Based on your interest in natural ingredients like Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate for emulsifiers and Propanediol, Salix Alba Extract for preservatives, here are some suitable options for making a skin cream for young children:

Natural Emulsifiers

For creating a stable cream emulsion using natural ingredients, consider these options:

• Emulsifying Beeswax (Non-Ionic, Natural): This is a natural emulsifier and thickener that contains Glyceryl Stearate and Stearic Acid, which you mentioned. It's suitable for creams and balms, especially for dry skin.
• LeciCream™ (Natural Emulsifier / Cream Maker): A natural emulsifier derived from Hydrogenated Lecithin, suitable for creating heavier creams.
• Sucrose Cream Maker™: This is a 100% natural-based, nonionic emulsifier that provides a light, non-oily feel.
• Glyceryl Stearate SE / Glyceryl Monostearate SE (GMS SE): A self-emulsifying form of Glyceryl Stearate, which you listed. It acts as a thickener and can be used with Cetearyl Alcohol to create cream texture. It requires heat to incorporate.
• Cetearyl Alcohol: As you noted, Cetearyl Alcohol is a common ingredient in creams. It functions primarily as a thickener and emollient, helping to increase the cream's viscosity and provide a moisturizing feel. It needs to be heated and mixed into the oil phase.
• Stearic Acid: Another ingredient you mentioned, Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used as a thickener and stabilizer in creams and lotions. It is dissolved in the oil phase with heat.
• Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate: This is a powerful emulsifier that is often used in combination with other emulsifiers like Cetearyl Alcohol or Glyceryl Stearate to enhance formula stability. It requires high heat to mix into the oil phase.

Natural Preservatives

To protect your homemade cream from microbial growth, especially for a product intended for children, using an effective preservative is crucial. Here are some natural-origin preservative options:

• NaturePreserve™ Ultra (Gluconolactone & Sodium Benzoate): A 100% natural preservative effective against bacteria, fungi, and yeast. It works best in a pH range of 3-6.
• NaturePreserve™ LB2: This is a natural-origin, water-soluble, broad-spectrum preservative effective at low pH values (2.0-6.5).
• Coco-Preserve™ (Preservative from Coconut Extract): A natural-origin preservative derived from coconut extract. It is water-soluble and offers broad-spectrum protection in a pH range of 4-8.
• Probio-Protect™ (Lactobacillus Ferment Preservative): A pro-biotic derived preservative that also offers moisturizing benefits. It is water-soluble and should be added without heat.
• Propanediol (1,3-Propanediol): You mentioned Propanediol. While it has some preservative boosting properties and acts as a humectant and solvent, it is generally not used as a sole preservative and should be combined with other preservatives for adequate protection.
• Willow Bark Extract (Natural Salicylic Acid): You also mentioned Salix Alba Extract (Willow Bark Extract). This extract contains natural salicylic acid, which has exfoliating and some disinfection properties. However, its primary use is often for exfoliation or anti-inflammatory benefits, and while it has some antimicrobial action at higher concentrations, it may not provide broad-spectrum preservation on its own and its exfoliating property might not be suitable for sensitive baby skin.
• Thyme Care™: A natural preservative with broad-spectrum activity. However, it has a strong thyme scent which might not be desirable in a baby cream.
• PaeoniaPreserve™: Another natural preservative option. It is effective but has a yellow color and a mild natural scent.

When formulating for sensitive skin like a baby's, it's important to choose ingredients carefully and perform a challenge test on your final product to ensure the preservative system is effective and safe.