Recommended Preservatives for Placenta Extract

Placenta extracts, such as Sheep Placenta, Horse Placenta, and Pep-Marine Placenta™, are water-soluble ingredients that require effective preservation in cosmetic formulations, particularly since some types recommend refrigeration. Sheep Placenta specifically advises using an adequate or higher-than-normal level of preservative.

Several broad-spectrum, water-soluble preservatives are suitable for use with placenta extracts. The best choice depends on the pH of your final product and the manufacturing temperature.

Here are a few recommended options:

• Mild Preserved Eco™ or Mild Preserved CGZ™:

  • Usage Rate: 1.0-1.5% for general formulas, up to 2.0% for formulas with high natural ingredient content or higher risk of contamination.
  • Considerations: Works in pH 4-9, can withstand heat up to 80°C for a short time. Mix in the last step.

• Global Guard™ 221:

  • Usage Rate: 0.5-1.1%
  • Considerations: Works in pH 2-7, requires mixing below 45°C.

• Mild Preserved™ COS:

  • Usage Rate: 0.75-1.5%
  • Considerations: Works in pH 2-8, requires mixing below 45°C.

• NaturePreserve™ Ultra:

  • Usage Rate: 0.75-2.0% (recommended 1.25%)
  • Considerations: Works in pH 3-6, heat tolerant. Do not use with L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).

• Probio-Protect™:

  • Usage Rate: 0.5-4.0% (recommended 2.0%)
  • Considerations: Natural, probiotic preservative. Dissolves in water, avoid heat.

• Preserve-BSB™:

  • Usage Rate: 0.3-1.0%
  • Considerations: Works in pH 2-5.5, can withstand heat below 80°C.

• NaturePreserve™ LB2:

  • Usage Rate: 0.5-1.0%
  • Considerations: Works in pH 2.0-6.5, avoid heat exceeding 50°C.

Important Note: Pep-Marine Placenta™ already contains Sodium Benzoate as part of its composition. When using this specific extract, consider the total amount of preservatives in your formula.

Regardless of the preservative chosen, it is highly recommended to perform a challenge test on your final formulation to ensure the preservative system is effective in controlling microbial growth throughout the product's shelf life, especially when using ingredients like placenta extract.