Natural preservation methods use ingredients such as Geogard® ECT and Cosgard , alongside ferments, essential oils to prevent microbial growth while maintaining a natural profile. These methods prioritize eco-friendly, naturally derived preservatives and synergistic techniques to ensure product safety.

Natural preservation methods in skincare focus on preventing microbial contamination (bacteria, yeast, mold) using naturally derived or nature-identical ingredients and formulation strategies, minimizing reliance on synthetic preservatives. This approach aligns with clean beauty principles, emphasizing sustainability and biocompatibility, as seen with the preservatives and supporting ingredients in your formulation.

Key Preservation Methods

Naturally Derived Preservatives

Geogard® ECT (Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Sorbic Acid): A broad-spectrum, ECOCERT and COSMOS-approved preservative. Its components—benzyl alcohol (nature-identical, found in fruits), salicylic acid (derived from willow bark or synthesized), and sorbic acid (from berries)—disrupt microbial cell membranes and inhibit growth, effective at pH 3–8 and used at 0.6–1.0%. Glycerin, often plant-derived, stabilizes the blend. [Ref web ID: 0]
Cosgard (Benzylalcohol-DHA): Combines benzyl alcohol with dehydroacetic acid (DHA), a biodegradable, ECOCERT-approved compound. It offers broad-spectrum protection, particularly against gram-positive bacteria and fungi, at pH 2–7, used at 0.2–1.0%, ensuring safety with a natural profile.

Antimicrobial Support from Other Ingredients

Fermentation-derived ingredients, such as those in your list, produce natural antimicrobials like lactic acid and peptides, lowering pH and inhibiting pathogens. These contribute to self-preservation, reducing the need for additional preservatives.
Essential oils, often included in natural formulations, contain terpenes and phenolics with antimicrobial properties, providing mild protection while adding fragrance.
Plant extracts with organic acids (e.g., from fruits or flowers) offer secondary antimicrobial effects, enhancing overall preservation.

Formulation Strategies

pH Control: Maintaining a pH of 4–6 creates an acidic environment that discourages microbial growth, complementing the efficacy of preservatives like Geogard® ECT and Cosgard.

Low Water Activity (Aw): Humectants (e.g., glycerin, aloe) bind water, reducing availability for microbes, a technique known as hurdle technology.

Chelating Agents: Plant-derived chelators, like those in your list, bind metal ions that could promote microbial growth, enhancing stability.

Antioxidant Support: Antioxidants prevent oxidative degradation, indirectly supporting preservation by maintaining ingredient integrity.

How It Works in Skincare

Naturally derived preservatives provide broad-spectrum protection, while ferments, essential oils, and plant extracts offer secondary antimicrobial effects. Formulation strategies like pH adjustment, low water activity, and chelation create a multi-hurdle system, ensuring stability in water-rich products (e.g., those with hydrosols or extracts) without heavy reliance on synthetic preservatives. This approach balances efficacy with natural skincare principles.

Comparison to Other Methods

Unlike synthetic preservatives (e.g., parabens), which are effective but often avoided in natural skincare, this method uses ECOCERT-approved, biodegradable options. It also enhances hurdle technology (e.g., pH alone) by incorporating targeted preservatives, ensuring robust protection for complex formulations.

Alignment with Clean Beauty Standards

Using ECOCERT-approved preservatives like Geogard® ECT and Cosgard ensures compliance with natural and organic standards, fitting Asteria’s clean beauty ethos.

Reduced Synthetic Preservative Use

Combining naturally derived preservatives with ferments and essential oils minimizes synthetic inputs, maintaining a natural profile while ensuring safety. [Ref web ID: 0]
Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable

Ingredients like benzyl alcohol and DHA in Cosgard are biodegradable, reducing environmental impact and supporting Asteria’s sustainability goals.

Enhanced Product Safety and Stability

The multi-hurdle approach ensures broad-spectrum protection, keeping products safe and stable, especially in water-rich formulations with hydrosols and extracts.

Gentle on Skin

Naturally derived preservatives and antimicrobials are less likely to irritate, making them suitable for sensitive skin, a key focus for Asteria’s formulations.

Added Skin Benefits

Fermentation-derived ingredients in your list provide skin benefits like microbiome balance, while essential oils add aromatherapeutic effects, enhancing overall product value.
Ethical and Transparent Appeal
Using naturally derived, ECOCERT-approved ingredients supports transparency and ethical sourcing, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and reinforcing Asteria’s brand credibility.

Canada