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pH adjuster for mouthwash
Hi guys, I am formulating a natural herbal mouthwash and the preservative I am using is Gluconolactone & Sodium Benzoate Ecocert.. I was using citric acid as a pH adjuster because I need to get it down to 6 in order for the preservative to be effective, but it turns out there is a contraindication for using these together since it will oxidize the sodium benzoate converting it to Benzoic acid. I am looking for another way to lower my pH int his formulation. It will have to be food grade, any suggestions? would acetic acid work??
Thanks
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5 Replies
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You have nothing to worry about. Acetic would be horrible.
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phosphoric acid works well at very low levels, is readily soluble in water, is available in food grade, and is one of the least harmful acids as far as dental health is concerned; citric acid acts as a chelator and does a lot more damage to the teeth than non-chelating acids doalso, if you’re using sodium benzoate as a preservative, you’ll have to get the pH below 5 for it to work -
Awesome thank you so much for the response. I am having trouble finding a supplier for small amounts of phosphoric here in Calgary, Canada. would lactic acid work?
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Try Phytic Acid (Dermofeel PA) from Dr. Straetmans. It has some benefits for dental formulations.
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From past experience the choice of acid will depend upon the taste
Citric acid - perfectly good, can get a bit Sour and Tart at high levels
Phosphoric - not personally used that one for mouthwash, but you’ll find it in products such as Coke or Pepsi
Lactic: perfectly edible, but will probably taste like sour milk - which for oral care is not going to find favour with the end user
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