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Shampoo Preservation w/Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate & Geogard Ultra
I have a shampoo formula that I’m working on with a lot of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in it. I’ve read that this surfactant has bactericidal properties, so I wonder… can I reduce my preservative?
A related question: The preservative I’m currently working with is Geogard Ultra (gluconolactone and sodium benzoate). Since gluconolactone makes up the bulk of the Geogard (70%+), do I need another chelator (I use Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate)?
One last question (sorry!): According to the manufacturer, Geogard Ultra is ~75% gluconolactone and 25% sodium benzoate, with a trace amount of calcium gluconate. Is there any reason why I shouldn’t just buy these two chemicals and make my own?
Thanks!
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3 Replies
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Have you done a comparison of the selling price when using these different methods? To my mind you want an effective preservative but not to spend money needlessly. We have been selling shampoo now for more than two years and have had zero problems with mould or bacteria. The preservative? Nothing more than 0.5% sodium benzoate at pH=4.5
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@Belassi Yes I built an Excel file that allows me to calculate my costs based on raw material inputs. I’d love to use just sodium benzoate (very inexpensive), but my target pH is 5-5.5, as my surfactants are most effective in that range. I’m not sure if sodium benzoate alone would be effective. Gluconolactone and sodium benzoate aren’t so expensive if I mix the ingredients myself, hence the question.
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A couple thoughts…
I don’t think reducing preservative is a good idea. Why take the risk of contamination? What would be the benefit of doing that? You may be able to, but why do it?
If your preservative is not effective enough a chelating agent can help improve its effectiveness. I don’t think the kind of chelating agent matters, just the amount.
You could buy the separate ingredients and use them as your preservative but using a blend is typically less expensive. It also allows you to keep less chemical inventory which is why most companies work with blends.
In my opinion, you should seriously consider a more traditional preservative package if you’re selling a shampoo in a pH range of 5 - 5.5. That is a prime bacterial growing range.
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