Preservatives are under constant scrutiny by consumers and the cosmetics industry with many usage restrictions and bans now in place. The more traditional preservative systems such as Parabens and MIT/ MIC have been subjected to much negative publicity, making the drive towards alternative preservation more prevalent than ever. This is why Infinity Ingredients are proud to have Evident Ingredients, who have more than 50 years combined experience in this area, as their partner within the UK and Ireland. Evident Ingredients Evicide® range of products can be used to support, boost or replace traditional preservative systems. To prove the efficacy of these products Evident Ingredients offers a microbiological Challenge Testing service to enable cosmetic formulators to make the best choice for successful preservation of their formulations. The Evicide® range offers more than just preservation; some have selected activity against specific micro organisms that can cause skin disorders such as, acne, dandruff, body odour and thrush. Please find detailed below the offerings we at Infinity Ingredients have for this category.
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.