Encyclopedia
Preservatives
14 preservative ingredients explained in plain English.
Cosgard (Geogard 221) Benzyl Alcohol (and) Dehydroacetic Acid (and) Aqua Eco-certified broad-spectrum preservative effective across pH 2-7. Sweet spot is pH 4-6; performance softens as you approach the upper limit. Dehydroacetic Acid Dehydroacetic Acid A broad-spectrum preservative effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold. Most commonly paired with benzyl alcohol in paraben-free systems. Euxyl K 903 Benzyl Alcohol (and) Benzoic Acid (and) Dehydroacetic Acid (and) Tocopherol A broad-spectrum preservative for gentle, low-pH formulas. Paraben- and formaldehyde-free, well suited to baby and eye-area products. Geogard ECT Benzyl Alcohol (and) Salicylic Acid (and) Glycerin (and) Sorbic Acid Ecocert-approved broad-spectrum preservative for low-pH formulas. Pleasant marzipan scent and full bacteria/yeast/mould coverage. Leucidal Liquid Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate A probiotic-style 'natural' preservative made from fermented radish. Works against bacteria, weak on mould — generally needs to be paired. Liquid Germall Plus Propylene Glycol (and) Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate A water-soluble broad-spectrum preservative effective against bacteria, yeast, and mould at very low percentages. Releases trace formaldehyde. Naticide Parfum / Fragrance A 'natural' preservative with a sweet almond-vanilla scent. Surprising INCI: labelled as Parfum because the actives are trade-secret. Optiphen Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol A paraben- and formaldehyde-free broad-spectrum preservative blend. Phenoxyethanol for bacteria, caprylyl glycol for mould and yeast. Phenoxyethanol Phenoxyethanol A broad-spectrum preservative. Strong against bacteria, weaker on mould and yeast — usually paired with a co-preservative. Plantaserve E Benzyl Alcohol (and) Salicylic Acid (and) Glycerin (and) Sorbic Acid ECOcert-compliant broad-spectrum preservative system combining benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, and glycerin. Works in a wide pH range with broad antimicrobial coverage. Plantaserve P Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Glycerin Phenoxyethanol-based broad-spectrum preservative blended with caprylyl glycol for synergistic activity. Effective across wide pH range, paraben-free, formaldehyde-free. Sharomix Benzyl Alcohol (and) Benzoic Acid (and) Sorbic Acid A broad-spectrum acid-blend preservative for low-pH formulas. Closely related to Geogard ECT and Euxyl K 903. Sodium Benzoate Sodium Benzoate Cost-friendly broad preservative that works only below pH 5. The other half of a classic eco-preservative duo. Spectrastat G Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Glyceryl Undecylenate (and) Phenylpropanol A natural-positioning multifunctional preservative built on glyceryl esters. Skin-feel like a moisturiser, no halogens or formaldehyde.