Symrise launches new multifunctional preservative

The company is marketing the preservative as a broad spectrum protection against microbial contamination for a range of products, across most categories

While protecting against microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, it is also said to be very safe for consumers, with additional of combining the multifunctional elements of SymSave H, and antioxidant, together with Hydrolite CG, and emollient.

An alternative to other preservatives​

Symrise says that the ingredient offering is an alternative to its other preservatives, SymOcide, which are based on o-cymen 5-ol phenoxylethanol.

As well as having highly flexible formulation properties to suit a broad range of products, the company’s development team says it also works well with a spectrum of conventional surfactants, as well as sulfate-free formulas.

All of this means that the applications for the ingredient have few restrictions, with the ingredient likely to blend well with formulas for soaps, shower gels, shampoos and skin care creams.

“SymOcide BHO is extremely effective and safe​,” said Dr. Sabrina Behnke, Global Product Manager for Preservatives in the Cosmetic Ingredients Division at Symrise.

“The product is a true multitasker, easy to process and offers broad spectrum protection against bacteria and other microorganisms.”​

Fulfilling EU regulations​

Formulators in Europe also have the additional hurdle of working with preservatives that comply with EU regulations, particularly given the need to work with alternatives to phenoxyethanol because certain consumers are known to have allergies to it.

However, the difference with the new preservatives, SymOcide BHO, is that it is based on benzyl alcohol, whereas SymOcide PH is based on phenyoxyethanol.

“Both substances fulfill the requirements of the EU cosmetics regulation and offer protection for a diverse range of products,”​ said Behnke.

“SymOcide BHO is ideal for cosmetics manufacturers who prefer a one-step solution that can be cold-processed.”​