When it comes to cosmetic preservatives, there’s no escaping the spotlight, both consumers and the cosmetics industry are keeping a close eye!
Traditional preservative systems like Parabens and MIT/MIC have faced plenty of negative press, which has only ramped up the demand for smarter, alternative solutions. That’s where we step in, proudly partnering with Evident Ingredients, who bring over 50 years of combined expertise in keeping formulas safe and stable across the UK and Ireland.
The Evident Ingredients Evicide® range is your go-to for supporting, boosting, or even replacing traditional cosmetic preservatives. And because efficacy matters, they also offer microbiological Challenge Testing to help formulators make confident, informed decisions for long-lasting preservation.
But the Evicide® range isn’t just about stopping microbes, some products target specific organisms linked to skin concerns like acne, dandruff, body odour, and thrush.
Scroll down to explore the full range of cosmetic preservatives and solutions we have for your next formulation!
Organic Acids
Let’s look at the organic acids first: these ingredients are able to destroy germs by the continuous acidification of cell cytoplasm, increasing the osmotic pressure due to intake of electrolytes (e.g. Na+) and by the loss of energy in the active transport mechanism within the membrane. By dissolving the organic acid in water, it dissociates and loses its H+ proton. It is important we keep the pH low (we need the protonated acid, not the anion to penetrate the bacteria’s cell wall) when using organic acids, ideally at a pH between 5.0 – 5.5 for optimum performance. Once the protonated acid enters the bacteria’s cell wall it then deprotonates and reduces the pH inside the cell. The cell compensates by expelling protons in exchange for Sodium ions, more unprotonated acid then enters the cell, and ultimately this cycle kills the microorganism.
Surfactants
Small amphiphilic molecules that replace membrane lipids. Due to their high surface activity and incompatible size they work by destabilising the membrane from the outside and work well in combination organic acids to provide broad spectrum preservation. The active compound is not consumed and as such remains active in the formulation and therefore offers a long lasting mode of action.
Alternative Preservation
In addition to the organic acid and surface active agents mentioned above, we also offer a range of alternative preservatives that can help preserve even the most challenging formulations!
Blended Preservatives
Economical preservative range in easy to use liquids are offered as part of this range.
Antimicrobial Actives
Range of high performing actives with specific data against microorganisms to help alleviate skin conditions.