Preservatives

Preservatives are essential in cosmetic formulations to ensure microbial safety, product stability, and extended shelf life. They protect water-based products from contamination during manufacturing, storage, and consumer use. Whether synthetic or natural, preservatives play a key role in maintaining the efficacy, texture, and sensory integrity of creams, lotions, shampoos, and serums.

Key Features

• Prevent growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold

• Compatible with water-based and emulsified systems

• Available in synthetic, nature-identical, and botanical forms

• Effective across varied pH ranges and temperature conditions

• Compliant with EU Annex V, FDA, and global cosmetic regulations

Advantages

• Ensure product safety and consumer protection

• Extend shelf life and maintain formulation integrity

• Preserve color, fragrance, and texture

• Support clean-label and multifunctional systems

• Enable broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage

Considerations

• Regulatory limits and INCI labeling requirements

• Risk of sensitization or irritation in sensitive skin

• Compatibility with actives, emulsifiers, and packaging

• Need for challenge testing and microbial efficacy validation

• Consumer perception in “natural” or preservative-free claims

Typical Components

SBR International GmbH offers high-performance preservative systems that ensure safety, stability, and compliance in cosmetic formulations. From traditional emulsions to modern clean-label products, our solutions help brands deliver trusted, effective cosmetics that meet global standards