Symrise develops an alternative conditioning preservative

“We have recognized a strong demand for cost-effective, broad-spectrum preservatives that can be used in all kinds of cosmetic applications and markets​,” says Dr. Ravikumar Pillai, Global Product Director Actives Symrise Life Essentials.

To satisfy increasing demand for effective and economically viable preservatives and the consumer’s need side for skin-friendly and safe products, cosmetic formulators often face a number of challenges in the selection of preservatives.

According to Pillai, SymOcide PS helps to keep down the amount of preservatives necessary in the formulation and avoids the use of parabens and formaldehyde donors.

“The clear liquid is easy to handle and formulate, therefore not requiring heat during production​,” he adds.

Composition​

SymOcide PS features​Phenoxyethanol and Decylene Glycol and 1, 2-Hexanediol kills all microbes >3 log reduction including bacteria, yeast and mold in two to seven days in a variety of formulations.

The preservative blend can be formulated into rinse-off formulations containing high concentrations on surfactants. “The formulator should add the preservative blend post-emulsification and preferably to the water phase in emulsions​.”

The blend is said to comply with regulations in the US, Europe and Japan.

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Products​

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According to Symrise, cosmetic manufacturers can use the preservative for a multitude of cosmetic applications. It works in leave-on products, such as creams and lotions as well as rinse-off products, like shampoos and shower gels.

As it is miscible with lipophilic ingredients, such as cosmetic esters, SymOcide PS can also be used as a preservative in waterless formulations like decorative cosmetics.