Understanding this preservative

Tagged: preservative

Formulating

Understanding this preservative

Posted by Heath0o7 on April 4, 2024 at 4:30 am

Hi all,

I was wondering if you could help me understand what type of bacteria (gram +/-) and YMF this preservative would be effective against? The preservative is Triethyl Citrate (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Benzoic Acid.

I understand that Benzoic Acid is effective against yeast and mold. However, what is Triethyl Citrate effective against?

@PhilGeis @Graillotion

PhilGeis replied 7 months, 3 weeks ago 2 Members · 8 Replies
- preservative
8 Replies

PhilGeis

Member
April 4, 2024 at 5:17 am

Not much
- Heath0o7
  
  Member
  April 4, 2024 at 5:41 am
  
  So it’s only the Benzoic Acid that’s doing the preserving?
  
  If that’s the case can this preservative be used instead of this: Sodium Benzoate (and) Potassium Sorbate (and) Aqua to cover YMF? Or is the latter way better
  - PhilGeis
    
    Member
    April 4, 2024 at 6:29 am
    
    Can’t offer comment to that without context - product, pH, other preservatives.
    - Heath0o7
      
      Member
      April 6, 2024 at 4:06 am
      
      Sure, if I was to make a facial Cleanser and want the pH to be 4-5 and I’m using phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin as one of my Preservatives. Now, I want to use another preservative to cover YMF. Would it be fine to use either Sodium benzoate & Potassium Sorbate, or Triethyl Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol & benzoic acid? Hope this clarifies it.
      - PhilGeis
        
        Member
        April 6, 2024 at 5:39 am
        
        Organic acid(s) prob ok for y/m. I’d also add a chelator?
        
        Please challenge test.
        
        Heath0o7
        
        Member
        April 6, 2024 at 8:11 am
        
        Cool, yeah I usually add GLDA as its the only chelator I have.
        
        I wanted to check if it’s true that Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate are effective against fungi? I read that on sciencedirect and also NCBI website I think.
        
        PhilGeis
        
        Member
        April 6, 2024 at 8:25 am
        
        They should be with right pH. Added as salts. I prefer just benzoate - sorbic acid stability can be troublesome.
        
        PhilGeis
        
        Member
        April 6, 2024 at 8:30 am
        
        And not aware of a legal version or sorbate for US household products. Legal (EPA registered) benzoate can be obtained from Emerald Kamala (Lanxess).