Preservative 1388 Eco Plus, 100 ml

Konzervant 1388 Eco Plus protects cosmetic preparations with an aqueous phase against the growth of bacteria, yeasts and moulds. The blend of sodium levulinate and sodium anisate in glycerin and water is approved for cosmetics certified to COSMOS and NATRUE standards and is suitable for vegan formulations.

It works in an acidic environment at a formulation pH of 3.5 to 6.0. It is used in both leave-on and rinse-off preparations, including children's cosmetics and intimate hygiene products.

Key properties

• Broad spectrum of action – according to the manufacturer's data, it acts against bacteria, yeasts and moulds. In the manufacturer's preservation test, the 1388 series achieved an ISO A rating in an O/W emulsion at 4.0 % and pH 5.0 and in a rinse-off preparation at 3.0 % and pH 5.3.
• Natural origin – readily biodegradable (OECD 301), approved for COSMOS and NATRUE certification.
• Free from parabens and allergens – contains no parabens, fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation, or GMO-derived ingredients.
• Processing – water-soluble liquid, added to the aqueous phase or to the finished preparation at temperatures up to 80 °C.
• Strong in surfactant systems – the manufacturer recommends it especially for cleansing preparations, where according to their data it performs very well.

Use in formulation

Konzervant 1388 Eco Plus belongs in the aqueous phase. It is added either directly to the water before emulsification or to the finished emulsion after cooling below 80 °C. For tonics, gel serums and cleansing preparations, it is stirred cold into the finished base and the pH is then checked.

Dosage depends on the pH of the formulation. The lower the pH, the less preservative is needed. The manufacturer states the following indicative values:

• 2.5 % – at pH 3.5
• 3.5 % – at pH 4.5
• 4.0 % – at pH 5.5
• 5.0 % – at pH 6.0

The overall recommended range is 2.5 – 5.0 %. Above pH 6.0, the manufacturer does not indicate use.

The blend also contains glycerin. At the upper dosage limit, account for it in the total glycerin content of the formulation.

Suitable for products such as

• Shower gels, shampoos and liquid soaps – surfactant preparations in which it performs best according to the manufacturer.
• Creams and body lotions O/W – face and body care with pH up to 6.0.
• Tonics, hydrosol sprays and gel serums – oil-free aqueous preparations in which it dissolves completely.
• Children's cosmetics and intimate hygiene preparations – formulations free from fragrance allergens for sensitive skin.
• Conditioners and hair masks – hair care with pH in the range of 3.5 to 6.0.
• Decorative cosmetics – aqueous components of liquid and cream products.

Good to know

The preservative is water-soluble and intended for preparations with an aqueous phase. It has an antimicrobial effect and does not protect oils in the formulation against oxidation.

Dosage values are indicative. Efficacy in a specific formulation depends on the pH and other ingredients, so we recommend verifying the efficacy of the finished product with a preservation (challenge) test.

The concentrate has a faint characteristic odour. In unscented preparations, we recommend evaluating it on a test sample.

Frequently asked questions