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Probiotics and Preservatives
Hi there,
I am currently doing a cosmetic chemistry course and have a formulation project underway. I don’t have the full formulation thought out yet but I would like to use a Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate in my formula. My question is more general in terms of formulations:
Do you use a preservative like propylene glycol etc. when there are probiotics in the formula? If not, do you formulate under heavy (more than normal) sterilized conditions?
Thanks
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6 Replies
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What are you hoping the lactobacillus ferment lysate will do in the formula?
Propylene glycol is not a preservative. You need to use a proper antimicrobial preservative like parabens, formaldehyde donors, phenoxyethanol, etc.
Lysates are by definition non-living and an antimicrobial preservative will not have any impact on them.
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Perry said:Propylene glycol is not a preservative. You need to use a proper antimicrobial preservative like parabens, formaldehyde donors, phenoxyethanol, etc.
it can be, at a sufficiently high level (15% or higher) - 1,2-diols have antimicrobial effects and the MIC decreases as the chain length increases
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@Bill_Toge - good point.
Speaking of MIC, do you know a source listing the MIC of common ingredients?
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Perry said:…Speaking of MIC, do you know a source listing the MIC of common ingredients?I know, it’s an older thread but you might still appreciate an answer.There is not ONE MIC for a certain compound. Every antimicrobial has a one (or several depending on how it was determined) MIC for every microbial species or even every serovar/cultivar. Unfortunately, this means that there is no reliable listing. You’ll find short list for antibiotics against common pathogens, though. -
@Pharma - Thanks. I was curious and what you say makes sense. The whole notion of an MIC applicable to all microorganisms seemed dubious.
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You’re welcome.That’s the reason why preservatives have recommended usage ranges/concentrations instead. These, however, are usually well above the MIC.
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