Nanohealth Microguard

The Simple Secret to Protecting Against Microbial Contamination

NANOHEALTH MICROGUARD was developed to meet a wide range of requirements, including regulatory compliance, safety, compatibility, stability and broad-spectrum preservation.

Today, our editor would like to have a chat with you all about preservatives in cosmetics!

When it comes to preservatives, they are a trusted companion to cosmetic engineers; generally speaking, preservatives are indispensable in cosmetics. Today’s make-up and skincare products contain highly nourishing and active ingredients, which can easily lead to the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Preservatives in cosmetics are like the elixir of life. By acting on multiple targets—such as the cell membranes, cell walls and enzymes of microorganisms—they disrupt cell division, inhibit bacterial growth and reproduction, and thereby achieve the purpose of preservation, ensuring the quality of the cosmetic product is maintained throughout its shelf life.

Allow us to proudly introduce our new product—Nanohealth MICROGUARD, a preservative developed through dedicated research by Nanohealth. It has successfully passed numerous rigorous preservative challenge tests!

★★★  Traditional preservatives face public scrutiny

1. E-commerce influencers have been vehemently criticising methylparaben, propylparaben and formaldehyde-releasing agents (such as DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea, etc.);

2. With public opinion restricting the use of traditional preservatives and alternative preservatives proving insufficiently effective whilst presenting numerous issues, cosmetic formulation engineers find themselves in a dilemma;

★★★  Polyol-based preservatives have relatively weaker preservative efficacy at equivalent dosages

When used alone, polyols (such as pentanediol and hexanediol) require high concentrations—typically exceeding 3 per cent—which can cause a warming sensation upon application to the skin. Furthermore, polyols with longer carbon chains (hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerol) tend to be highly irritating;

★★★  The application scope of organic acid preservatives is limited by pH constraints

Anisic acid, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, octanoic hydroxamic acid, acetylpropionic acid and similar compounds are all dependent on the product’s pH value, typically requiring a pH below 5.5, which restricts formulation options (polymers such as carbomer have low thickening efficiency);

★★★  The increasing number of nutrient-rich ingredients in formulations makes formulation challenging

Xinxianketon has poor compatibility and causes products to yellow easily; its use in clear aqueous formulations is restricted, as it tends to crystallise and precipitate in winter; (typically, when added at concentrations of 0.3% or higher, it precipitates at low temperatures, and in such cases, it fails preservative compatibility testing);

Faced with these challenges regarding preservatives in formulations, and to meet the diverse requirements of regulations, safety, compatibility, stability and broad-spectrum preservation, Nanohealth has devoted itself to research using advanced technology, resulting in the development of the progressive, mild preservative Nanohealth MICROGUARD.

Product Properties of Nanohealth MICROGUARD

Appearance: Clear to translucent yellow to pale yellow liquid

pH Range: 4–8

Usage rate: 0.4–1.5%*

Solubility: Soluble in pure water at concentrations below 0.7% (remaining transparent); miscible with polyols and oils commonly used in cosmetics

Odour: This product utilises high-grade, low-odour raw materials, resulting in a lower odour than imported equivalents containing phenoxyethanol; furthermore, due to its high efficacy, the required dosage is lower, making it suitable for fragrance-free cosmetics

★★★  Safe for sensitive skin; broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity

Low irritation, gentle and safe; convenient to use in liquid form; suitable for aqueous face masks, fragrance-free products, and maternal and infant products;

★★★  Good water solubility and broad formulation compatibility

No usage restrictions; soluble in pure water whilst remaining transparent at concentrations below 0.7 per cent; has a wide pH tolerance range, suitable for aqueous, oil-in-water and water-in-oil formulations with a pH of 4–8; can be blended with any ingredient at temperatures below 80°C; can be used to create colourless, transparent products without the need for solubilisers;

★★★  Low odour and unlikely to cause product discolouration

Contains no ingredients that readily cause formulations to yellow; allows for greater freedom in combining fragrances and active ingredients;

★★★  Broad formulation compatibility; used alone, it reduces the variety of preservatives in stock

So, are you interested in finding out more about this new addition to the world of preservatives?

Don’t forget to scan the editor’s QR code to get more information on the Nanohealth MICROGUARD preservative—it’s the guardian of skincare products, meticulously developed by Nanohealth!