PRESERVATIVES

Preservatives – effective protection of cosmetic products against micro-organisms

The preservatives category covers ingredients that protect cosmetic products from the growth of bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Since most recipes contain a water phase, preservatives are an essential part of every formulation that is meant to stay safe, stable and pleasant to use throughout its life.

At Handymade.sk you will find broad-spectrum preservatives, natural alternatives that can be certified under COSMOS and ECOCERT and multifunctional ingredients with a preservative effect that combine performance with moisturising or softening properties. All products are of cosmetic grade and come with full technical documentation (SDS, COA and IFRA standards).

When choosing a preservative it is important to consider the pH of the formulation, the type of emulsion (O/W or W/O), the water content and the presence of surfactants or a chelating agent. The right combination of these factors guarantees long-term microbial stability without disturbing the texture or the fragrance.

Tip for makers: for natural cosmetics choose a combination of organic acids, glycols and plant-derived ingredients; for standard emulsions, a broad-spectrum system at a neutral pH is the optimal choice.

Broad-spectrum preservatives

These systems provide complete protection against bacteria, moulds and yeasts. They are versatile and easy to use in most emulsions and gels. Popular examples are Cosgard and Euxyl PE 9010, which offer high stability at a low dosage (0.5 – 1.1 %). Cosgard is effective at pH 2 – 7, ideally below 5.5; Euxyl PE 9010 is practically pH-independent. Reliable protection with no effect on the appearance or the scent of the finished product.

Natural preservative systems

Natural and bio-based alternatives to synthetic preservatives suit “clean beauty” products and cosmetics with a natural certification. The stand-outs in this group are Euxyl K712, Euxyl K903 and Iscaguard IAF – all of them gentle on the skin; Euxyl K712 is effective at a pH of up to 5.5, Euxyl K903 and Iscaguard IAF in the pH range 4 – 6. An ideal solution for moisturising creams, toners and masks.

Preservatives based on organic acids and glycols

Products such as 1388 Eco Plus and Pentylene Glycol ECO represent the modern “soft preservation” trend. They combine moisturising properties with antimicrobial activity and make it possible to formulate products without classic preservatives. They let you reduce the share of classic preservatives within a hurdle approach; always verify the efficacy with a challenge test, especially for products intended for children.

Multifunctional and “next-gen” systems

The new generation of preservatives, for example Spectrastat G2 Natural MB, offers high efficacy at low concentrations and excellent compatibility with active ingredients. It is stable across a wide pH range and compatible with emulsifying and foaming systems. High stability with minimal impact on the texture and the fragrance of the formulation.

Practical recommendations for preservation

• Dosage: always follow the manufacturer’s technical data sheet; with natural preservatives the efficacy needs to be verified in the actual formulation.
• pH and chelating agent: setting the pH correctly and adding a chelating agent (Dermofeel PA-3) increases stability and widens the spectrum of activity.
• Synergy of ingredients: combining organic acids with glycols makes it possible to lower the total dosage of active preservatives.
• Production hygiene: sterile tools and clean containers matter just as much as the preservative itself.