100 g Plantaserv U

This is a broad-spectrum preservative blend suitable for natural cosmetics and allowed under some organic certifications as a permitted input. The preservative comes in powder form and is easily dispersed into your water phase at any point during manufacture. It is permitted for rinse off and leave on applications.

In some formulations this preservative may cause a slight downward drift in pH. This is caused by the gluconolactone slowly releasing gluconic acid over time. If this pH shift is found to be an issue the pH can be buffered with our Sodium Citrate powder.   We have a guide to buffering your product using sodium citrate available here. 

This preservative has been found to have little effect on emulsion viscosity, is clear and has very little aroma. However, it is important to note that its water solubility changes with pH. As the pH gets lower, water solubility decreases, and the preservative may precipitate out of solution. Formulations containing sulfates and/or glycerin may find this less of an issue as these boost preservative solubility.

Appearance: White to off-white powder

Raw Material Origin: Nature-identical

Microbial Action: Broad Spectrum - bacteria, yeast, mould.

Suitable for: Make Up, Skin Care, Hair Care, Body Care, Baby Care

Recommended Usage %: 0.75 - 2.0% (Can be used as stand-alone preservative at 1.0 – 2.0%, recommended to use co-preservatives when used at 0.25 – 1.0%)

Formulation Tips:

• Pre-Mix Method 1: Using 2% Plantaserv U with 20% water, adjust pH immediately with 30% Sodium Hydroxide Solution (30%) to 7.0 - 7.25. Transfer to batch and adjust pH to desired end product pH with Sodium Hydroxide or Citric Acid Solutions.
• Pre-Mix Method 2: Using 2% Plantaserv U with 3% Sodium Citrate and 20% water, adjust pH with 30% Sodium Hydroxide Solution (30%) to 7.0 - 7.25. Transfer to batch and adjust pH to desired end product pH with Sodium Hydroxide or Citric Acid Solutions.
• Direct Method: In the main batch, using 2% Plantaserv U with 3% Sodium Citrate, adjust pH to 7.0 - 7.25. At final step, adjust pH to desired final range with Sodium Hydroxide or Citric Acid Solutions.
• It is best to add the Plantaserv U mixture to the batch at <40°C.
• Can be used in formulations at pH 3.0 - 6.5 (however, end formula pH 5.0 - 6.5 is ideal)
• Must be mixed well to ensure all solid material is dissolved
• Can be heated up to 70°C for short period of time only

GMO Free, Non Radiated, Palm Free, Vegan Friendly

We always recommend carrying out micro testing on your formulations prior to launch as micro stability is a requirement for all cosmetic products.  The simplest micro testing consists of a micro count which is carried out by a micro testing laboratory who can confirm the number and type of microbes present in your formula. A cosmetic product does not need to be sterile so some microbes are acceptable but no pathogens should be present and total viable micro count should be below 1000 CFU/g for a regular cosmetic (less for babies and eye products).   Preservative Efficacy Testing is recommended for commercial products that contain a water phase, especially where the packaging offers little protection against contamination.  This test challenges the preservative to see how it will stand up to repeat use. There is more information about this and other micro tests on our website here: Preservative Testing.

Please note: This product may come with less than a 9 month shelf life. If used within the specified shelf life, it will not affect the preservative efficacy in a product.