Preservatives
Preservatives for your Cosmetic blends and formulations
Preservatives for cosmetic formulations
Our range of preservatives ensures that your water based cosmetic product doesn't start developing mould and fungus within a couple of days.
We offer a range of options which can also aid the final feel of your finished product.
Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin
The best all round preservative for your cosmetic blends, especially cream and lotion type blends
Sodium benzoate & Potassium sorbate
An effective preservative for your foaming blends such as Shower Gel and Shampoo
SymDiol® 68T
Excellent broad spectrum product protection activity
Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E)
Stop your products from going rancid with the addition of Tocopheryl acetate
Glyceryl caprylate multifunctional
Excellent antimicrobial properties that help preserve your product whilst adding refatting properties.
Citric acid
Used to adjust the pH of the final formulation, helping preserve or improve preservative efficacy.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E Natural)
A natural Vitamin E for use in cosmetics, not as effective as Tocopheryl acetate
Want to learn to use preservatives in products effective?
Our Cosmetic Product Making Course is a great way to learn how to use preservatives effectivley in your formulation, helping you understand the different types of preservative and when best to use them.
What is the purpose of a preservative?
The purpose of a preservative is to safely allow you to store your product without your product "going off", most commonly, this involves giving your product the ability to fight off bacteria and fungus.
In the EU it is a legal requirement that any cosmetic that is to be sold or given away should contain a preservation system.
What is the difference between a preservative and an antioxidant?
A preservative attempts to kill bacteria and fungus within your product. Most commonly this bacteria and fungus appear with use, whilst contacting the end users skin. An antioxidant stops your product for oxidisng and therefore effectively becoming rancid. A common antioxidant is Vitamin E (tocopheryl) whose inclusion not only stops your product oxidising, but also helps to provide antioxidant effects for the skin.
Typically you will use antioxidants and preservatives together in synergistic harmony to protect your product.