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Seeking Safe, Broad-Spectrum Preservatives for Sensitive Skin Formulations
Hello everyone,
I’m currently developing a facial gel cleanser with approximately 58%+ water content, along with active ingredients like ceramide NP, niacinamide, tocopherol etc.., and a surfactant blend. One of my primary concerns is ensuring the preservative system is both effective across a broad spectrum of microbes and gentle enough to avoid irritation, especially considering the sensitive nature of facial skin.
My key questions are:
- What preservatives (natural or non-harsh chemicals) have you found to be both broad-spectrum and gentle enough for sensitive skin?
- Are there any innovative preservative systems or combinations that provide effective microbial protection without compromising skin compatibility?
- Do you have experience with preservative systems that minimize irritation, possibly through synergistic blends or novel ingredients?
- How do you balance preservative efficacy with skin safety, especially in formulations with multiple actives?
- Are there any emerging trends or new preservative technologies that you consider promising for sensitive skin products?
Additional context:
- I want to avoid common preservatives known for irritation, like parabens or formaldehyde releasers, if possible.
- Open to natural preservatives, peptide-based systems, or other innovative approaches.
- Ensuring broad-spectrum activity (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral) is a must.
Any insights, experiences, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to your expert opinions!
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4 Replies
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Euxyl PE 9010 is one of my go to broad spectrum natural preservatives. The data sheet claims it is microbiome friendly. I have very sensitive skin and love it. Here is a study done in Japan that claims it is fine. Only sensitive skin individuals would have been accepted for a sensitivity study.
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First a correction: You said: “
- I want to avoid common preservatives known for irritation, like parabens or formaldehyde releasers, if possible.”
That sounds like mommy blogger lore. Can you provide scientific peer reviewed material to back up this claim? I think in reality….the EXACT opposite is the correct statement.
If you disclose your surfactant blend, great minds like Dr Phillip Geis, that frequents this site…can make a significant contribution. Surfactant inclusions and rate…can alter the needed preservation.
PE 9010 is my starting place for most things…but I am not working with cleansers. The weakness being in the fungal category, where it should be bolstered, unless Dr Geis thinks your surfactant load will appease this burden.
……… As well, ‘Broad spectrum’ is a marketing term. It simply has no applicable meaning. It is stolen from the medical field, where there is some application.
Good Luck.
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This reply was modified 11 hours, 58 minutes ago by Graillotion.
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This reply was modified 11 hours, 58 minutes ago by Graillotion.
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So…. what maybe we hear you saying is………. You want to bow to consumer pressures…. and create a safe product without using certain groupings of preservatives?
In that case…. Dr Geis might ask….what your ethos allows…..before making a recommendation.
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This reply was modified 11 hours, 55 minutes ago by Graillotion.
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This reply was modified 11 hours, 55 minutes ago by
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Can you tell us your formula, packaging, water source and pH.
As Jennifer said, you might preserve around phenoxyethanol. Not enough by itself and “microbiome friendly” is a BS claim.
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