Preservative ECO (Use as a Geogard ECT)
| What is it? |
Preservative ECO is a broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative system designed to help protect water-containing cosmetic and personal care formulations against bacteria, yeast and mould. With the INCI combination Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin and Sorbic Acid, it is commonly used as a Geogard ECT-type preservative system in creams, lotions, serums, shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, body washes and other personal care formulations. It is especially useful for formulators looking for a phenoxyethanol-free, paraben-free and formaldehyde-donor-free preservative system with a relatively wide working pH range. |
| INCI | Benzyl Alcohol (and) Salicylic Acid (and) Glycerin (and) Sorbic Acid |
| Usage rate |
0.6–1.0% (Recommended Addition Temperature: Below 45°C) |
| Applications | Anhydrous, Body Butter, Body wash, Conditioner, Cream, Deo/ Anti-Perspirant, Eye creams/gels, Eye shadow, Face Lotion, Face wipes, Facial Cream, Foundation, Feminine hygiene, Hair gel, Hand soap (non anti-bac), Lipstick/gloss, Lotion, Make up remover, Mascara, Oil in Water, Oral care, Powder, Shampoo, Suncare, Toner, Water in Oil. |
| Scent | Almondy/marzipan-y |
| pH | Woking pH from 3.0–8.0.
Preservative ECO will cause the pH of your formulations to drop. |
| Solubility | Water soluble |
| Why do we use it in formulations? |
Cosmetic products containing water are vulnerable to microbial contamination. Preservative ECO provides a convenient broad-spectrum preservation system that can help protect formulations from:
Its liquid format makes it easy to incorporate into laboratory, small-batch and commercial cosmetic formulations. |
| Do you need it? | You should have at least one broad-spectrum preservative; Preservative ECO is a good choice if you prefer natural preservatives. |
| Refined or unrefined? | Preservative ECO only exists as a refined product. |
| Strengths |
Unlike many natural preservatives, Preservative ECO has a maximum functional pH range of 8 (most natural preservatives require an acidic pH to function well). The manufacturer lists lip products as a possible application. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | You’ll need another broad-spectrum preservative. Liquid Germall™ Plus is an effective, versatile choice, but it isn’t natural. Natural alternatives include Preservative P-gard 221 (Use as Geogard 221), though it have a lower effective pH range. |
| How to Work with It | Include Preservative ECO in the cool down phase of your formulations, and ensure the final pH of the formulation is the in 3-8 range. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | Looking for a natural way to add an almondy scent to your formulation? Preserve it with Preservative ECO (Use as Geogard ECT)! |
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Benefits |
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This product is a cosmetic raw material and is intended for external use only in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It is not intended for internal consumption or medicinal use.
- Do not ingest.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid direct contact with eyes.
All product images are for illustrative purposes only. Actual product color, texture, or packaging may vary from batch to batch.
Information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered or interpreted as medical advice.
While we do not offer products for internal use, we source only high-quality, pharmaceutical or food-grade ingredients. Ingredient purity and performance are critical in cosmetic applications, just as they are in ingestible products.
Please note:
Just because two products have the same name or CAS number does not guarantee the same grade, purity, or effectiveness. Always choose trusted suppliers. Choose Purenso for premium-grade ingredients you can rely on.
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