Spectrastat G2 Natural MB, 10 g

Spectrastat G2 Natural MB is a preservative blend of three ingredients: caprylhydroxamic acid, glyceryl caprylate and glycerine. It protects creams, lotions, serums and rinse-off products against microbial contamination and contains no parabens, phenoxyethanol or formaldehyde donors. Manufacturers most often choose it when they want to preserve naturally and without a conventional preservative in the ingredient list.

This blend of American origin is oil-soluble, which determines how it is incorporated. In emulsions it belongs in the oil phase; in purely water-based formulations you need to allow for its limited solubility.

How the blend works

• Caprylhydroxamic Acid – acts mainly against moulds and yeasts and has a chelating effect.
• Glyceryl Caprylate – an ester of glycerine and caprylic acid with an antibacterial effect.
• Glycerine – a carrier that makes the blend easier to dispense and incorporate.

Two active ingredients with different mechanisms cover both bacteria and fungi. Efficacy in a specific formulation, especially one with a high water content, plant extracts or powders, is confirmed by a challenge test.

Use in formulations

In emulsions, the blend is most easily added to the oil phase before emulsification, where it dissolves completely and distributes evenly. It can also be stirred into a finished emulsion, always with constant mixing.

The usage rate depends on the manufacturer’s technical data sheet and the type of formulation. Products with a lower risk of contamination need a smaller proportion, while rich creams with extracts and a high water content need more. In every case, verify the exact result yourself.

Suitable for products such as

• Creams, lotions and balms – both O/W and W/O emulsions, where the blend is added to the oil phase.
• Serums and light emulsions – with a lower proportion of oil, where the sensory feel needs to be monitored.
• Shampoos, shower gels and liquid soaps – rinse-off products with surfactants.
• Masks and products with plant extracts – more demanding to preserve, so a challenge test is appropriate here.
• Anhydrous products at risk of contact with water – for example, oil-based body scrubs used in the shower.

Good to know

A preservative system does not replace hygiene during production. Disinfected containers, clean water and well-chosen packaging (a pump or tube instead of an open jar) are the foundation; the preservative is only the second safeguard.

Under the CLP classification, the blend is not classified as hazardous, which simplifies handling and documentation for production intended for sale. Even so, wear gloves when working with the concentrate, as it is an active ingredient in undiluted form.

Frequently asked questions