The Unsung Heroes of Cosmetic Formulations – Antimicrobials
December 15, 2023 1 Comment on The Unsung Heroes of Cosmetic Formulations – AntimicrobialsHey there, R & D enthusiasts and skincare aficionados! Have you ever wondered
what makes our favorite beauty products not only effective but also safe to use?
The answer lies in a magical quality that not many are aware of – antimicrobial
agents. These little heroes are the unsung champions of the cosmetic industry,
ensuring our products remain safe and potent from the first drop to the last dollop.
So, why should we care about the antimicrobial magic in our formulations? Let’s
dive right into the sparkling world of beauty care and unveil the secrets you didn’t
know you needed!
The Sneaky World of Microbes:
Picture this: you’ve just opened your favorite moisturizer, and in it, unbeknownst
to you, millions of microbes are partying away! While some microbes are harmless,
others can wreak havoc on your skin, causing irritation, infections, and even acne.
That’s where antimicrobial agents come into play. These agents prevent the
growth of harmful microorganisms, keeping our products and by extension, our
skin, safe and sound. Cosmetic antimicrobial agents are the unsung heroes behind
the scenes, ensuring our skincare products are not only effective but also safe.
These ingredients prevent the growth of unwanted microorganisms like bacteria,
viruses and fungi, guaranteeing our cosmetics are free from harmful germs both
on the shelf and once opened.
Why our Formulations Crave Antimicrobial Love:
Antimicrobial properties in cosmetics are like our formulations’ personal
bodyguard. They shield our formulations from contamination, ensuring we get the
best out of every application. Plus, they protect our skin from unwanted visitors,
allowing us to flaunt that radiant glow without worrying about pesky breakouts or
infections.
The Demand for Antimicrobial Agents:
The demands for cosmetic antimicrobial agents are crystal clear. With the skin
being the body’s largest organ, it becomes a playground for bacteria, making
antimicrobial protection essential. According to a Transparency Market Research
report from 2017, the global market for antimicrobial ingredients is set to expand
and by the end of 2026, more than 1,18,000 tons of antimicrobial ingredients will
be sold across the globe, with a significant portion attributed to skincare products.
This rising demand aligns with the global movement toward clean beauty values,
where consumers are steering clear of synthetic preservatives and embracing
products that offer both cosmetic integrity and skin safety.
Entering the Realm of Pure Beauty:
Clean beauty is not just a trend; it’s a revolution. Today’s consumers, mindful of
their health and the environment, seek products that protect their skin without
compromising on safety. Traditional antimicrobial agents often loaded with
preservatives can disrupt the skin’s natural balance, leaving it vulnerable to
harmful microbes. In response to this, the industry is witnessing a surge in clean
beauty products that emphasize safety without sacrificing efficacy. Consumers
want products that deliver results while adhering to natural values, a demand that
forward-thinking brands are already meeting and you can too!
Exploring the Distinctions: Preservatives, Antimicrobials, and Boosters
In the realm of formulations, it’s crucial to differentiate between antimicrobials,
preservatives, and boosters. Hence, let’s understand the difference by their
definitions:
a. Preservatives: These are the chemicals incorporated into cosmetic
products with the purpose of preventing decomposition caused by microbial
growth or undesirable chemical alterations.
b. Antimicrobial Agents: Within the realm of cosmetic products,
antimicrobial agents play a crucial role in ensuring microbiological safety.
They function by inhibiting the growth of microbes, thus maintaining the
product’s integrity. These agents can fulfill the role of preservatives, even
when a brand aims to promote their products as preservative-free.
c. Preservative Boosting Agents: These specific ingredients are introduced
into cosmetics primarily to enhance the efficacy of preservative actives.
Preservative boosters are strategically employed in cosmetic formulations
to reduce the necessity for traditional preservative usage, thereby
optimizing the product’s composition.
These terms might sound as synonymous, but they hold distinct roles in various
formulations. To gain a precise understanding, take a glance at the table below:
Our Antimicrobial Allies:
At Vimal Lifesciences, we understand the importance of clean beauty and the
significance of antimicrobial properties in skincare. The ingredient range we offer
are meticulously crafted with natural antimicrobial ingredients that not only
protect the formulations but also nurture the skin. We stand at the forefront of
the clean beauty revolution, offering ingredients that combine the magic of nature
with the expertise of science.
Below mentioned are the stand-out offerings from our supplier partner,
evident ingredients GmbH, that will align just perfect with your
formulations and meet the antimicrobial requirement in the right way:
Evicide® PEHG is a robust preservative blend featuring Phenoxyethanol and
Ethylhexylglycerin. Phenoxyethanol disrupts microorganism membranes and
inhibits enzymatic activity, while Ethylhexylglycerin acts as a booster, enhancing
these effects. This pH-independent blend provides broad protection against
common microorganisms in various cosmetic products, making it ideal for
formulations such as shampoos, lotions, and deodorants. Its adaptability across
different pH levels and formulation types, coupled with Phenoxyethanol’s global
acceptance, makes Evicide® PEHG a reliable, safe, and cost-effective solution for
antimicrobial preservation in the cosmetic industry.
Introducing Evicide® EC 8, a potent antimicrobial blend, devoid of Parabens,
CMIT/ MIT, and Formaldehyde-Donors. This liquid mixture combines Caprylyl
Glycol, a highly effective antimicrobial agent, and Ethylhexylglycerin, a booster,
also known as a powerful wetting agent that improves water solubility of many
actives and also increases membrane permeability of microorganisms. With
globally approved broad-spectrum activity, it replaces conventional preservatives
and enhances formulations. Ideal for emulsions and oil-based formulations, it
inhibits the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. Evicide® EC 8 ensures
powerful antimicrobial protection while offering skin conditioning benefits. Easy-to-use and odorless, it stands as a standard in multifunctional antimicrobial
actives. It can also serve as a robust PE-free alternative to Evicide® PEHG.
Evicide® rose 26, a robust antimicrobial agent, synergizes phenethyl alcohol and
ethylhexylglycerin, enhancing their individual potency. This combination creates a
potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial raw material, crucial for safeguarding
cosmetic products. Ethylhexylglycerin acts as a booster, weakening bacterial cell
membranes, enabling phenethyl alcohol’s antimicrobial action. Remarkably,
Evicide® rose 26 excels across various pH levels, making it an ideal substitute for
Phenoxyethanol-based blends, ensuring thorough antimicrobial protection in
diverse cosmetic formulations. The presence of primary constituent, phenethyl
alcohol in it is widely recognized as a fragrance compound. Hence, Evicide® rose
26 can be used for masking unpleasant odors with its gentle, rose-like scent.
Evicide® levulinate B and Evicide® levulinate S:
Evicide® levulinate B is a blend of natural levulinic acid and nature-identical
Benzoic acid, whereas, Evicide® levulinate S is a combination of levulinic acid
and nature-identical Sorbic acid they exhibit potent antimicrobial properties
against bacteria and yeast. This organic acid mixtures, a result of extensive
research, serves as a mild, broad-spectrum preservatives in various products,
from baby care to cleansing products. Their popularity stems from their mildness,
ease of use, and global approval for all cosmetic products. Notably, they are widely
utilized in the formulation of natural and sustainable cosmetics worldwide,
ensuring effective antimicrobial protection, it is also COSMOS approved.
Evicide® anisate, an organic acid derivative, is a potent natural antimicrobial
agent, particularly effective against yeast and mold. Widely utilized in natural
cosmetics, it offers multifaceted benefits. Its masking property neutralizes
unwanted odors, enhancing formulations. Additionally, it exhibits anti-inflammatory traits, augmenting its appeal in skincare products. Renowned for
superior efficacy, even at low concentrations, it stands out as an indispensable
ingredient for preservation in the cosmetic industry.
Evicide® G 6, a versatile glycol-based antimicrobial agent, excels in personal
care formulations. Its water solubility and efficacy ensure effective preservation
at optimal dosages, making it a cost-efficient choice. Its key strength lies in potent
antimicrobial properties, enhancing product safety. Ideal for modern cosmetics, it
combines functionality with skin-friendly attributes, making it a multifunctional
additive.
In conclusion
The presence of antimicrobial agents in formulations serves a fundamental
purpose rather than being just an addition. They play a crucial role in ensuring the
well-being and safety of our skin and product. Whether you’re a consumer or a R
& D expert, it’s important to exercise caution in your product/ formulation
selection and possess a sound understanding of the proper application and
distinctions between preservatives and antimicrobial agents.
Let us unite in our efforts to shape an industry where skincare isn’t solely about
enhancing appearance but also about promoting a deep sense of well-being, both
internally and externally.
Happy Formulating!
For more information; get in touch with us at, info@vimallifesciences.com
1 Comment
so much fantastic information on here, : D.