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Preserving Shampoos and Body Washes/Shower Gels
I’ve done quite a bit of digging online and on this forum without being able to find an answer to my question.
Any advice on preserving glucoside based shampoos/body washes? In particular those containing glucoside as the primary surfactant and cocamidopropyl betaine as the auxiliary surfactant.I successfully use Optiphen Plus (O+) (INCI: Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid) in my emulsions, but I’ve read conflicting information on its efficacy when used with surfactants.If necessary is there anything that I can do to augment O+ to work with surfactants? If not, are there any suggestions for an alternative preservative system that would paint the same ‘green’ picture (i.e. paraben and formaldehyde free) as O+ and that is also readily available in the US?Assume packaging, GMP, and other preservation variables are in place.Thanks in advance! -
5 Replies
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Maybe someone can answer that specific question. What I know is that biodegradable ingredients usually need more preservative.
I would however think more in terms of: what is the rest of the formula? which pH do I have? what is green? can I use f.ex isothiazolinones? -
Use natural chelating agents.
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Citric acid + Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate?Open to other preservative suggestions as well. I’ve seen a few sources claim a combo of Sodium Benzoate + Potassium Sorbate + Benzyl Alcohol. Not sure if anyone has experience with those. There doesn’t seem to be as much information on preserving shampoos and body washes as there is for other products. It’s always nice to be well informed.
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I find that 0.5% sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate work just fine.
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Thanks everyone!
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