Move towards lower preservative levels

At the end of 2010, the decision of Danish authorities to ban propyl and butyl parabens in products for children under the age of three, and the recommendation by the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) to restrict their concentration to 0.19% in all cosmetic formulations have confirmed the urgent need to find efficient alternatives to the use of paraben-based preservatives.

In order to help cosmetics manufacturers to respond to these restrictions as well as to address increasing consumers’ demands towards lower preservative levels, Clariant has developed alternatives that can be used in a wide variety of formulations.

Ecocert approved products

Presented on the occasion of the latest edition of the In Cosmetics trade show in Milan, the Velsan SC preservative booster is based on natural raw materials. Falling within Clariant’s EcoTain range focusing on naturally-derived and sustainable products, and also approved by Ecocert, one of the main certification body for natural and organic cosmetics, Velsan SC is a new 100% based natural hydrotrope and emulsifying agent for cosmetic formulations.

According to Clariant, the Velsan SC acts as a synergistic aid to boost the performance of standard preservatives, like aromatic alcohols and organic acids. “As a result, it decreases the overall amount needed for safe preservation, thereby reducing the odour issue known from some preservatives.

When used in combination with non-listed actives, it may also help manufacturers to formulate “preservative-free” cosmetic and personal care products.

Preservative blends

In the segment of paraben-free preservative blends, Clariant proposes the Nipaguard PO 5 and Nipaguard POB, based on Piroctone Olamine and Phenoxyethanol.

The chemical company claims these alternatives have a comparable and even better performance than classical paraben blends with excellent long-term antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, yeasts and moulds from pH 4-10.

These PO blends are especially suitable for the preservation of creams, lotions, sun screens, deodorant formulations, cream rinses, shampoos, shower gels, and liquid soaps,” explained Clariant in a release.