Ingredient technology

PHYTO PROTECT™

A natural preservative system that reduces or replaces the synthetic preservatives a formulation needs.

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What PHYTO PROTECT™ does

PHYTO PROTECT™ is a preservative consisting of natural ingredients that eliminate or reduce the number of synthetic preservatives required in cosmetic formulations. This mitigates consumer concern over potential damage from synthetic preservatives, while enabling natural ingredient formulations for consumer segments that demand them.

It works similarly to phenoxyethanol, controlling colonisation by gram positive and gram negative bacteria and yeasts.

PHYTO PROTECT natural preservative booster from Hexis Lab

Evidence and formulation

Testing

Antimicrobial capability has been tested using standard preservative assays and is available for scrutiny.

Regulatory

Ingredients are naturally derived and listed as GRAS, TSCA and COSING, all regarded as safe for personal care formulation.

Supply format

Supplied in a glycerin base or as dry powder, and easily incorporated into water based formulations with excellent compatibility.

Applications

Skincare, haircare, cream, lotion, conditioner, curl cream, gel and shampoos.

Related reading: natural preservatives for cosmetics and gram negative bacteria resistance.

Interested in this ingredient?

Supporting test data is available on request, and we can advise on incorporating it into your formulation.

Dr Olusola (Sola) Idowu is the founder of Hexis Lab. See also formulation development and assay testing.

Frequently asked questions

Does PHYTO PROTECT™ fully replace synthetic preservatives?

It can eliminate or reduce the number of synthetic preservatives a formulation requires. The right level depends on your formulation, pH and packaging, and should be confirmed by preservative efficacy testing.

Is it approved for cosmetic use?

The ingredients are naturally derived and listed as GRAS, TSCA and COSING, all regarded as safe for personal care formulation.

What formats is it supplied in?

A glycerin base or a dry powder, both of which incorporate easily into water based formulations.