Leading the way to paraben-free preservation: highly efficient alternatives from Clariant

Muttenz, 11 April 2011 – Clariant offers cosmetics’ formulators new opportunities to respond to increasing restrictions on the use of Paraben-based preservatives with its highly-effective preservation alternatives.

At the end of 2010, Danish authorities introduced a ban on the use of Propyl- and Butyl-Paraben in products for children under the age of three. In addition, the Scientific Community on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has proposed a complete ban of iso-Butyl-Paraben and to restrict the amount of Propyl- and Butyl-Paraben to 0.19% in cosmetic formulations.

“Preparing our customers for changes in the regulatory climate, in approved ingredient use, and in anticipating ecology and health-related trends is an important consideration in our development of new products for the cosmetic and personal care sectors,” comments Dr. Matthias Kunze, Clariant’s global R&D Manager Personal Care Preservatives. “We are pleased to offer our customers reliable and affordable alternatives that address current challenges and trends faced by formulators.”

Velsan® SC is a new 100% based natural hydrotrope and emulsifying agent for cosmetic formulations that supports the cosmetic industry’s move towards lower preservative levels.

Velsan SC is a synergistic aid that boosts the performance of standard preservatives, like aromatic alcohols and organic acids. As a result, it decreases the overall amount needed for safe preservation, thereby reducing the odor issue known from some preservatives. When used in combination with non-listed actives, manufacturers can claim “preservative-free” for their cosmetic and personal care products.

Velsan SC is a low odor, non-sensitizing¹ and non-irritating² antimicrobial support ingredient suitable for rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics. It is non-halogenated and without the potential for formaldehyde-release. These benefits result in overall milder formulations.

In the segment of preservative blends, Clariant’s Nipaguard® PO 5 and Nipaguard POB, based on Piroctone Olamine and Phenoxyethanol, offer safe and effective preservation without the use of Parabens. Proven to be comparable to and even exceed the performance of classical Paraben blends, they have been developed specifically to meet customer concerns for preservative blends offering efficacy, ease of incorporation, long term stability over a wide pH range, and an excellent toxicological profile.

Nipaguard PO 5 and Nipaguard POB exhibit excellent long-term antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, yeasts and moulds from pH 4-10. This allows for preservation using only one blend at low concentrations without any impact on formulation color, viscosity or odor. In direct comparison with Nipaguard PO 5, Nipaguard POB with additional Benzoic acid offers even better performance at neutral and acidic pH levels. These PO blends are especially suitable for the preservation of creams, lotions, sun screens, deodorant formulations, cream rinses, shampoos, shower gels, and liquid soaps.

For more information visit Clariant’s web page at www.ics.clariant.com.

¹ according to OECD guideline 404/405

² according to OECD guideline 429