Suitable Preservatives for Coconut Emulsions

For an emulsion, especially one containing natural ingredients like coconut, it's important to use a broad-spectrum preservative that is effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold. The pH of your final emulsion will also influence which preservative is most effective.

Here are a few options that could work well:

• Coco-Preserve™ (Preservative from Coconut Extract): This is a natural-origin preservative derived from coconut extract. It is water-soluble, broad-spectrum, and effective in a wide pH range of 4-8. It is specifically noted as suitable for O/W (oil-in-water) emulsions.
• Mild Preserved™ COS (pH 2-8, Broad Spectrum, No-Odor): This is a water-soluble, broad-spectrum preservative effective over a very wide pH range (2-8). It is odorless and can be mixed in any step as long as the temperature is below 45°C.
• Global Guard™ 221 (pH 2-7, Natural): This is another water-soluble, broad-spectrum preservative that is globally approved. It works in a pH range of 2-7 and should be added when the temperature is below 45°C.
• NaturePreserve™ LB2: This preservative is effective against bacteria and fungi at lower pH values (2.0-6.5). It is water-soluble and broad-spectrum. Avoid heat exceeding 50°C.
• Preserve-BSB™ (eq. Optiphen BSB-W): This water-soluble preservative is effective against bacteria, mold, and yeast up to a pH of 5.5. It contains benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate.

When choosing a preservative, consider the final pH of your emulsion and select one that is effective within that range. Always perform a challenge test on your final formulation to ensure the preservative is effective and suitable.