Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate Preservative

Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate Preservative Ingredients/Tech Specs: CTFA Name: Benzyl Alcohol, Water, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate INCI Name: Benzyl Alcohol, Water, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA Appearance: Translucent, pale yellow liquid; mild characteristic aroma Packaging: 4/8/16 amber glass bottles; ½ gallon and 1 gallon BPA-free jugs; 5-gallon BPA free buckets Benefits: broad-spectrum preservative easy to use in water based, oil based, o/w emulsified, powder, and wet wipe formulas; gentle on skin; food grade preservatives Suggested levels of usage: 0.4-2% Applicable products: lotions, creams, shampoos, conditioners, solid bars, wet wipes, oil based products (body oils, massage oils, facial oils serums), butters, foaming surfactant based formulas, gels Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate is a broad-spectrum preservative blend that is easy to use, gentle on the skin, and designed to easily replace more controversial preservative blends. Benzyl Alcohol, Water, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate is a pre-solubilized blend of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate that can easily be added into any emulsified blend. Benzyl Alcohol, Water, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate provides broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, yeast and molds in the acid pH range up to 5.5. The ingredients used in Benzyl Alcohol, Water, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate are all food grade preservatives. Is Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate derived from petroleum based ingredients? Sodium Benzoate is synthetically derived from Benzoic Acid and Sodium Hydrate. Benzoic acid is originally derived from toluene, which is petroleum derived, however through the fermentation process there is zero residual petroleum in the finished product. Potassium Sorbate is is synthetically produced via reaction of Sorbic Acid and Potassium Hydroxide. Is Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate easier to use than dry Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate?  Yes, because it is already dissolved and blended, making it incredibly easy to add into any emulsified product base. By dissolving potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate into benzyl alcohol it increases the effectiveness of the preservation system. How much preservative should I use? All preservatives in total should be 2% or less of your finished formula. Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate has been shown to exhibit anti-bacterial protection starting at 0.6%. The most ideal level is 1%. Here is a list of suggested levels of usage: Aqueous Formulations 0.5-1% Surfactant Based Formulations 0.5-0.8% O/W Emulsions 0.8-1.2% Oil Based Formulas 0.4-0.7% Wet Wipes 0.8-12% Do I need to use another preservative along with Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate?  No, this preservative is a stand-alone ingredient that can be used as your sole preservation system. What is Benzyl Alcohol? Benzyl alcohol is a natural constituent of essential oils, some fruits and black teas. It is an aromatic alcohol with a mild, sweet odor. Benzyl alcohol is widely used as a preservative. It is primarily active against bacteria and molds. Benzyl alcohol is a very common ingredient in skincare and cosmetic formulations world wide. It increases the effectiveness of preservation systems, broadening the protection level in emulsified products. What is the solubility of Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate?  3.5% in water 0.9% in ethanol >50% in glycerin >50% in propylene glycol 10% in decyl oleate 4% in caprylic/capric triglyceride (MCT)  What is the optimal temperature range for adding Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate?  Product is stable for applications between 80°C/176°F to 0°C/32°F When do I add Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate to my formula? Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate should be included in the water phase of your product, once in the cooling phase. The lower the temperature of the water and oils when blending, the more effective the preservation system. Your oils/water can be as hot as 80°C/176°F and Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate will still be very effective. Prolonged heat exposure at this temperature may cause issues, so we do suggest adding it when you are ready to start cooling the finished product. In water based formulations and surfactant based gels, you can add at room temperature just by stirring in. You can slightly warm to 30°C/86°F to accelerate dissolution. In emulsified products you can add into the water or you can add in after blending oil/water ingredients. Allow to cool after adding. What is the pH range for finished products containing Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate? 3.0-5.5 max, with the adjusted final value to be 5.0-5.5 ideally. Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate effectiveness against bacteria and molds increases the lower the finished pH of your product.  Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate is slightly alkaline. This can work to increase the final pH of your product after it has been added. You must check all finished product pH whenever you add any preservative system to ensure it is within your desired range. What is the regulatory information on Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate? Recognized as safe for cosmetics and non irritating at 6.6% or lower. Listed in the Annex VI of EU Cosmetic Directive as permitted without restrictions at max concentration of 2% Allowed in US up to 6.6% Allowed in Japan up to 4.4% Permitted as a preservative system in natural and organic cosmetic formulations according to these main certifications: Ecocert (France) Soil Association (UK) BDIH (Germany) AIAB (Italy) Are there Allergens (EU Directive 2003/15/EC) in Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate? Benzyl alcohol was recognized as a fragrance allergen and listed in the Annex III of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 as a substance whose presence must be indicated in the list of ingredients on the label when its concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products. Pre-Solubilized Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate is sold in 4oz amber glass bottles, 8oz amber glass bottles, 16oz amber glass bottles, ½ gallon BPA-free plastic jugs, 1-gallon BPA-free plastic jugs, 5-gallon BPA-free plastic buckets and drums. For orders over 25-gallons, please email us directly. Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers. Best Used By: See lot specific C of A for expiration date.