The combination of different antimicrobial substances

We always determine the perfect blend of antimicrobial active raw materials for cosmetic formulations of our customers.

In our video, we show a few short tips and thoughts on what we need to achieve the perfect combination.

Challenges of preservation

The preservation of a product is subject to different requirements and must always be individual. As a rule, at least two antimicrobial substances are necessary to ensure reliable protection against bacteria, yeasts and moulds. This can be a combination of Cosphaderm® pAS natural and Cosphaderm® LA-T, for example.
Each formulation is unique and varies in water content, pH value, ingredients and type of packaging.
Besides the effectiveness at the present pH value, possible interactions with other ingredients must also be taken into account.
Especially the water solubility of the antimicrobial active substance is crucial, as germs grow in the water phase.
The packaging and the dosage form also play an important role. A cream in an open jar will be more contaminated when removed with the finger than a pump dispenser or tube.

Trends

Besides these technical aspects, possible side effects and marketing play a central role. The product must be safe and not irritating.
That is why multifunctionals with a strong antimicrobial effect are becoming increasingly popular.  This is because they have far fewer side effects and more positive features.
Antimicrobial raw materials are constantly under observation in magazines, rating portals, and blogs. They usually recommend natural and environmentally friendly extracts with good skin tolerance. In addition, customers prefer natural ingredients to chemical-sounding substances.

Regulations

There are also legal requirements: In Europe, the Regulation on Cosmetic Products stipulates that all preservatives must be used in a maximum permissible concentration.  Some of these substances are even completely prohibited in certain countries.
The reason for this are the sometimes severe side effects: Irritations, hormone influence and the potentially carcinogenic effect are only some problems.

In summary, we can say that there is no such thing as the one perfect preservative.
The individual benefit is always decisive.
For this reason, we analyse the potential of each individual antimicrobial raw material. We examine possible synergy effects to create a user-friendly and highly efficient mixture that protects a formulation from bacteria, yeasts, and moulds.