Safety of Adding Active Ingredients to Wound Cleansing Saline
Question
Is it safe and advisable to add active ingredients to sterile wound cleansing saline solution? What are the risks and considerations?
Answer
Adding Actives to Wound Cleansing Saline
Adding active ingredients to a sterile solution like wound cleansing saline without including a suitable preservative is generally not recommended. Wound cleansing saline is a medical product intended to be sterile to prevent infection in open wounds. Introducing other ingredients without proper preservation can easily contaminate the solution with bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms.
Using a contaminated solution on a wound can lead to serious infections, delaying healing and potentially causing further complications.
If you wish to create a formulation for skin application that includes active ingredients, it is crucial to incorporate an effective and appropriate preservative system to ensure microbial stability and safety.
For sensitive applications or if you are concerned about irritation from traditional preservatives, consider using gentle alternatives such as:
- Mild Preserved Eco™: This ingredient is not classified as a preservative by the FDA but acts as an effective antimicrobial agent. It is known for being gentle and non-irritating, and it also has humectant properties that help retain skin moisture. It is suitable for various cosmetic formulas.
- PaeoniaPreserve™: A natural preservative derived from Paeonia root extract. It is effective in controlling microbial growth and also offers antioxidant benefits to the skin.
Remember that any cosmetic product intended for sale requires a challenge test to confirm the efficacy of the chosen preservative system against microbial contamination under realistic conditions.
Related Products Mentioned
Mild Preserved Eco™ (Preservative-Free)