Dermegen Inc. recently launched its Dermacare NP natural synergistic preservative blend as an alternative to phenoxyethanol. Derived through fermentation, the ingredient imparts synergistic activity through its peptide complex and esters, and is said to provide "unexpected" broad antimicrobial protection across a wide pH range.
Natural Preservatives in Demand
As the company explains, the need for new and effective preservation systems and/or adjuvants in cosmetic formulations has never been greater. Existing systems have fallen out of favor as consumers demand natural-based products and are concerned about preservatives in general.
Per Dermegen, while a majority of preservative systems used are synthetic, derived from petroleum products and other non-natural sources, Dermacare NP (INCI: Water (Aqua) (and)1,3 Propanediol (and) Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Epsilon Polylysine) is naturally derived from ferment using a patent-pending peptide complex.
Broad-spectrum Preservation Efficacy
Dermegen's DermaCare NP preservative system additionally:
- provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial effectiveness,
- works across a wide pH range and
- acts synergistically to provide a broad-spectrum system that works "greater than the sum of the parts."
Notably, the ingredient recently won the 2024 C&T Allē Award for Most Significant Natural/Bio-derived Chassis/Blend. The judges commented, "The industry can always use new effective, safe and 'natural' broad-spectrum preservatives. It’s great to see alternatives for global performance and smart synergistic combos."
