ISCAGUARD ® Preservatives for Personal Care - ISCA UK Ltd

Iscaguard ® 

Preserving Making chemistry the work tradition 

for you 

Preservatives 

for Personal Care

ISCA was established in 1998 with the aim of 

supplying high quality speciality chemicals 

across a broad spectrum of industry. 

Our commitment to provide expert technical 

support and product innovation, coupled with 

a professional, flexible and friendly approach 

to customer service, has seen ISCA quickly 

establish itself as a leading manufacturer 

and supplier in a number of fields. 

In 2005 ISCA entered into preservatives for the 

personal care market. 

Our product range encompasses both individual 

preservatives and broad-spectrum preservative 

blends in order to provide the choices required 

by the customer and to satisfy the 

requirements of the most demanding 

applications. 

Based in Newport, South Wales, we have 

extensive warehouse facilities throughout the 

UK and Europe enabling us to offer prompt 

deliveries from stock, as well as a full export 

service to overseas customers. From our 

purpose-built laboratories, our experienced 

technical team offers a full support service, 

providing formulatory advice, product 

development, raw material evaluation and 

end-use application testing, together with 

microbiological services from basic challenge 

testing to complete plant audits. 

ISCA can offer the benefits of over 30 years’ 

cumulative experience and expertise in 

preservatives for personal care products. We 

have an ongoing programme of new product 

development that includes adding new 

preservatives to our range and developing 

new, more effective preservative blends. 

At ISCA we welcome the opportunity to work 

closely with customers to solve preservation 

problems, either using existing products, or 

with specially designed blends. 

This brochure gives a brief summary of some 

of the individual preservatives and preservative 

blends currently available from ISCA. However, 

such is the fast-moving nature of the Personal 

Care Industry, any brochure can quickly 

become out of date, at least in part. For this 

reason we recommend that customers also 

check out our web site at www.iscauk.com 

for further information and news of 

new products.

Preservatives available 

from ISCA 

Today, perhaps more than ever before, the safety of the 

consumer has to be one of the most important concerns 

when developing personal care products. For this reason 

alone it is essential that cosmetics and toiletries are 

protected from the unsightly and potentially hazardous 

effects of microbial spoilage. 

This is why ISCA offers a range of preservation solutions 

based on tried and tested individual actives and 

preservative blends. 

This range includes: 

• Parabens and their sodium salts 

• 2-phenoxy ethanol 

• Benzyl alcohol 

• Imidazolidinyl and diazolidinyl urea 

• Dimethyl dimethylol hydantoin (DMDMH) 

• Chloromethyl/methyl isothiazolinone 

• Liquid blends developed to optimise the 

complementary properties of the individual actives. 

Parabens and their 

sodium salts 

The antimicrobial efficacy of the esters of 4-hydroxy 

benzoic acid was first discovered and patented in the 

1920’s. Since that time they have become the most 

frequently used, and, it is widely believed, safest 

preservatives for personal care products. 

The parabens are also available as their sodium salts, 

which have the benefit of increased solubility in cold 

water. 

The list of benefits of the parabens includes; 

• Broad spectrum of activity against bacteria and fungi 

• Low order of toxicity 

• Effectiveness at low concentrations 

• Stability over a wide pH range 

• Biodegradability at environmental concentrations 

• Global acceptance in personal care formulations 

ISCA Iscaguard ® 

Preservative Blends 2 

The paraben range available from ISCA is 

highlighted below: 


M - methyl paraben 


E - ethyl paraben 


P - propyl paraben 


B - butyl paraben 


MS - sodium methyl paraben 


ES - sodium ethyl paraben 

PS - sodium propyl paraben 


Regulatory Status 

Paraben esters and their sodium salts are permitted for 

use in personal care formulations in the US, Europe (total 

paraben concentration maximum 0.8%) and Japan (total 

paraben concentration maximum 1.0%). 

Using paraben esters 

Paraben esters may be added at any time during the 

manufacturing process but it may be preferable to add 

prior to any heating stage in order to facilitate good 

mixing. They are more easily incorporated if pre-dissolved 

in a solvent, such as propylene glycol. The sodium salts 

can be added directly to cold aqueous mixes, but it is 

important to subsequently adjust the pH, where 

appropriate, as they exhibit a high pH. 

Table 1 

Solubility of paraben esters (% w/w @ 25°C) 

Solvent M E P B MS ES PS 

Water 0.25 0.11 0.04 0.02 33 50 50 

Propylene glycol 26 20 29 49 ND ND ND 

Ethanol 

ND = no data 

32 41 50 68 ND ND ND 

Table 2 

Antimicrobial activity of paraben esters 

Microorganism Minimum inhibitory concentration (%) 

M E P B MS ES PS 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa 0.20 0.12 0.08 0.015 0.25 0.13 0.09 

Escherichia coli 0.12 0.08 0.045 0.015 0.17 0.09 0.05 

Proteus vulgaris 0.20 0.075 0.045 0.01 0.24 0.09 0.55 

Staphylococcus aureus 0.16 0.12 0.045 0.015 0.20 0.14 0.05 

Enterococcus faecium 0.15 0.10 0.06 0.015 0.20 0.10 0.06 

Bacillus cereus 0.13 0.075 0.045 0.01 0.17 0.085 0.035 

Candida albicans 0.10 0.06 0.025 0.015 0.14 0.075 0.035 

Saccharomyces cerevisiae 0.08 0.045 0.025 0.015 0.11 0.05 0.025 

Aspergillus niger 0.085 0.045 0.035 0.025 0.10 0.055 0.04

3 


PE 


PE, 2-phenoxy ethanol is a versatile and 

widely used preservative for personal care products. 

Often used in conjunction with parabens, it has good 

activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria 

and is particularly effective against troublesome 

Pseudomonas species. 


PE is active over a pH range of 3.0 to 8.5 and 

is compatible with most personal care ingredients. Typical 

use levels for Iscaguard ® 

PE range from 0.4% to 1.0%. 



PE is permitted for use in personal care 

products in the US, Europe (up to a maximum of 1.0%) 

and Japan (up to a maximum of 3.0%). 

Using Iscaguard ® 

PE 


PE is soluble in water to approximately 2.4%, 

significantly higher than typical use concentrations, but 

warming to 40ºC may be required to speed dissolution in 

formulations with a very high water content. 

Table 3 

Solubility of Iscaguard ® 

PE (% w/w @ 25°C) 

Water Approx. 2.4% 

Propylene glycol Miscible 

Butylene glycol Miscible 

Table 4 

Antimicrobial activity of Iscaguard ® 

PE 

Micro-organism Minimum inhibitory 

concentration (%) 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa 0.55 

Escherichia coli 0.55 

Proteus vulgaris 0.55 

Staphylococcus aureus 0.70 

Bacillus cereus 0.65 

Enterococcus faecium 0.90 

Candida albicans 0.45 

Saccharomyces cerevisiae 0.37 

Aspergillus niger 0.30 


Preservative Blends 


BA 


BA, benzyl alcohol, has broad-spectrum 

activity against bacteria and fungi and is also particularly 

effective against troublesome gram-negative 

Pseudomonas species. 

Like Iscaguard ® 

PE, Iscaguard ® 

BA is effective over a 

pH range of 3.0 – 8.5 and is compatible with most 

ingredients found in personal care formulations. 

Typical use concentrations for Iscaguard ® 

BA range 

from 0.4% to 1.0%. 



BA is permitted in personal care products in 

the US, Europe (up to a maximum of 1.0%), and Japan 

(up to a maximum of 3.0%). 


BA 


BA is soluble to approximately 4.0% but, like 


PE, warming up to 40ºC may be useful in order 

to speed up the dissolution in formulations with a high 

water content. 

Table 5 


BA (% w/w @ 25°C) 

Water Approx. 4% 



Table 6 


BA 

Micro-organism Minimum inhibitory 










Aspergillus niger 0.32



IU and 

DU 


IU, imidazolidinyl urea and Iscaguard ® 

DU, 

diazolidinyl urea, are both fine white, virtually odourless 

powders with excellent activity against gram-negative 

and gram-positive bacteria. 

Both are extremely soluble in water and do not usually 

require heating to dissolve. Neither product should be 

exposed to temperatures greater than 40ºC and should be 

added during the cooling stage of hot processes. 



DU is permitted in the US (maximum 0.5%) 

and Europe (maximum 0.5%) but it is not permitted in Japan. 


IU is permitted in the US (maximum 0.5%) 

and Europe (maximum 0.5%). It is permitted in Japan for 

use in rinse-off products only up to a maximum of 0.3%. 

Table 7 


DU (% w/w @ 25°C) 

Water 70% 

Propylene glycol 40% 

Butylene glycol 0.25% 

Table 8 


DU 

Microorganism Minimum inhibitory 











Table 9 


IU (% w/w @ 25°C) 

Water 65% 

Glycerine 48% 

Mineral oil < 0.01% 



Table 10 


IU 


concentration(%) 








DMD 


DMD is a 55% solution of dimethyl dimethylol 

hydantoin(DMDMH) in water. It has excellent 

broad-spectrum activity and is effective at low use 

concentrations, from 0.15-0.4%. 


DMD 


DMD has excellent solubility in water and 

should be added during the cooling stage of hot 

processes. 



DMD is approved for use in the US, Europe (up 

to a maximum of 0.6%) and Japan for rinse-off products 

only, up to a maximum concentration of 0.3%. 

Table 11 


DMD 








CMI 


CMI is a 1.5% solution of a blend of 

chloromethyl and methyl isothiazolinone in a strictly 

controlled ratio of 3:1. The mixture is stabilised with 

magnesium chloride and magnesium nitrate. 

Using Iscaguard CMI ® 

On a weight/weight basis, this isothiazolinone blend is 

probably the most effective broad-spectrum preservative 

available for personal care products and it is particularly 

useful in detergent-based products, such as shower gels, 

bath foams and shampoos.

5 

It can be used over a wide pH range, from 3.0 or lower, 

up to 8.0 and should be added during the cooling stage 

of any hot process. 



CMI is approved for use in the US (up to a 

maximum of 0.1% in rinse-off products and 0.05% in 

leave-on products) Europe (up to a maximum of 0.1%) 

and Japan (up to a maximum of 0.1% in rinse-off 

products only). 

Table 12 


CMI 







Liquid blends developed to 

optimise the complementary 

properties of the individual 

actives 

Although successful preservation can be achieved by 

using single-component preservatives, we at ISCA believe 

that it can often be achieved more effectively and more 

safely, through the use carefully designed preservative 

blends. 

Why Blends? 

An ideal preservative system must be: 

• Effective (i.e. have a broad spectrum of activity) 

• Safe to use 

• Safe at use levels 

• Stable in the product 

• Compatible with the product and packaging 

It is rare to find a single preservative that meets all of the 

above requirements. Most preservatives have their plus 

points, but they usually also have some negatives 

associated with their use. However, if we stop thinking 

about “The Preservative”, and start thinking about “The 

Preservation System”, we can minimise the negatives 

and accentuate the positives. 

One further consideration is that of time. Preserving a 

formulation using separate components can be time 

consuming. If the product fails the microbial challenge 



test, the next stage of development can involve adding 

an extra component to combat the organisms that caused 

the initial failure. The revised preservative system may 

also fail the challenge test, resulting in still more 

preservative being added. This unfocussed strategy can 

result in too many preservatives at too high a 

concentration, and a significant delay for the product 

launch with all the associated cost implications. 

The process may be simplified by testing a broadspectrum 

preservative blend over a range of 

concentrations. This strategy, if correctly employed, can 

usually result in a challenge test pass at the first attempt, 

and at a concentration reasonably close to the optimum 

for that particular formulation. Closer optimisation can be 

achieved by testing two or more different blends. 

For all these reasons, ISCA offers a range of preservative 

blends with all the advantages we can put in there. 

These products have been carefully developed to give a 

combination of preservatives in which the ratio of 

components is closest to the optimum activity for as 

many different formulations as possible. 

An example of a 

preservation strategy 

Better optimisation of the preservative system in a 

product may be achieved by testing many different 

preservatives, or preservative blends, over a broad range 

of concentrations. It is often difficult, however, to justify 

submission of more than 5 or 6 different options for 

challenge testing. On this basis, a general example of a 

possible preservation strategy is given below: 

Submit samples containing the following preservative 

blends: 



MPB @ 0.3, 0.6 and 1.0% 

PBA @ 0.3 and 0.6% 

The results will indicate which of the blends is the more 

effective in the product under test. Iscaguard ® 

MPB is 

included at 1.0% to try to ensure that at least one 

preservative treatment passes the challenge test, even if 

the lower concentrations fail. This strategy makes it more 

likely that the product can be launched without delay 

and, if the highest concentration is the only successful 

one, lower concentrations (in this example, 0.7, 0.8 and 

0.9%) could be tested after launch to establish whether a 

reduction in the preservative concentration is possible.



DPE 


DPE is a blend of phenoxyethanol and 

methyldibromo glutaronitrile giving the advantages of 

broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection and the ease of 

liquid handling. 


DPE is effective at 0.1 – 0.3% in many 

formulation types, and is compatible with proteins and 

anionic, cationic and nonionic emulsifiers. 


DPE is formaldehyde-free and retains its 

activity over the range pH 4.0 – 8.0. 

Regulatory status 


DPE is permitted for use in rinse-off products 

in the European Union (maximum 0.125%) and the USA 

(maximum 0.125%). Iscaguard ® 

DPE is not permitted for 

use in Japan. 

INCI name: phenoxyethanol, methyldibromo glutaronitrile. 


DPE 


DPE is soluble in water to approximately 0.4%, 

but it is advisable to pre-dissolve the product in one of 

the non-aqueous formulation components prior to 

addition. This will avoid the need to heat Iscaguard ® 

DPE, 

as the product should not be exposed to temperatures 

above 40°C for prolonged periods. 





DPE may discolour on exposure to UV light and 

should be stored in the original container. 

Table 13 


DPE (% w/w @ 25°C) 




Table 14 


DPE 












7 


DPM 


DPM is a blend of diazolidinyl urea, 

methylparaben and propylparaben in propylene glycol 

giving the advantages of broad-spectrum antimicrobial 

protection and the ease of liquid handling. 


DPM is effective at 0.3 – 1.0% in many 


anionic, cationic and nonionic emulsifiers. It is an ideal 

preservative in both rinse-off and leave-on products and 

is particularly suitable for emulsions with a low (25%) oil phase. 


DPM2 retains its activity over the range pH 3.0 – 7.0. 



DPM2 is permitted for use in personal care 

products in the European Union (maximum 2.50%) and 

the USA (maximum 2.50%). Iscaguard® DPM2 is not 

permitted for use in Japan. 

INCI name: propylene glycol, diazolidinyl urea, 

methylparaben, propylparaben. 


DPM2 


DPM2 is soluble in water to approximately 

0.5% and is readily incorporated into most product types. 

In hot emulsification processes it is advisable to add the 

product during the cooling stage as it should not be 

exposed to temperatures above 60°C for prolonged 

periods. 

Table 17 


DPM2 (% w/w @ 25°C) 



Butylene glycol Approx. 5.0% 

Table 18 


DPM2 













FPX 


FPX is an optimised blend of paraben esters in 

phenoxyethanol giving the advantages of broad-spectrum 

activity and ease of liquid handling. 


FPX is compatible with most personal care 

ingredients and the presence of phenoxyethanol reduces, 

or overcomes the inactivation of parabens exhibited by 

some nonionic emulsifiers when parabens are used alone. 

In formulations with a high protein content, it may be 

necessary to use a higher concentration of Iscaguard ® 

FPX 

compared with a similar formulation with no protein present. 

At typical use concentrations of 0.3 – 1.0%, 


FPX is non-irritant to skin, eyes and mucous 

membranes. 


FPX has application in all categories of 

personal care products and retains its activity over the 

range pH 3 – 8. 



FPX is permitted for use in personal care 

products in the European Union (maximum 1.39%), 

the USA (safe as used) and Japan (maximum 1.39%). 

INCI name: phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, 

ethylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, 

isobutylparaben. 


FPX 


FPX is soluble in water to approximately 0.5%, 

but may be incorporated at higher concentrations into 

formulations containing surfactants, oils and waxes. 

Prolonged heating at elevated temperatures is not 

recommended, but Iscaguard ® 

FPX may be added 

immediately after emulsification in hot processes. 



Table 19 


FPX (% w/w @ 25°C) 




Isopropyl myristate Miscible 

Table 20 


FPX 












9 


LIN 


LIN is a strongly synergistic blend of 

methyldibromo glutaronitrile, bronopol, phenoxyethanol, 

butylparaben and isobutylparaben giving the advantages 

of broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection and ease of 


The synergistic activity of Iscaguard ® 

LIN allows very low 

use concentrations (typically between 0.03 – 0.15%). This 

activity is similar to that of isothiazolinone-based 

preservatives. 

The low concentrations required of Iscaguard ® 

LIN 

enhance the safety profile of the product, as much lower 

concentrations of the individual components are present 

in the final product compared to normal usage. When 

using Iscaguard ® 

LIN, the concentration of bronopol, for 

example, is reduced by a factor of between 5 – 12. 

This substantial reduction in bronopol concentrations has 

critical implications for nitrosamine formation in products 

containing amines. At normal bronopol use concentrations 

(200 – 400ppm), there is an increase in the potential for 

nitrosamine formation when amines are present. 

Evidence suggests, however, that nitrosamine formation 

is not detectable in formulations containing both 


LIN and amines such as triethanolamine and 

stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, even after prolonged 

storage. Iscaguard ® 

LIN may, therefore, be used in 

amine-based formulations, although testing to confirm 

the absence of nitrosamines is strongly recommended. 


LIN is effective over the range pH 3.0 – 7.5 and 

is non-irritating to eyes, skin and mucous membranes at 

the recommended use concentrations. 


LIN retains its activity in the presence of 

proteins and nonionic emulsifiers. 





LIN is permitted for use in rinse-off products in 

the European Union (maximum 0.77%) and the USA 

(maximum 0.77%). Iscaguard ® 

LIN is not permitted for 

use in Japan. 

INCI name: phenoxyethanol, methyldibromo glutaronitrile, 

2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, butylparaben, 

isobutylparaben. 


LIN 


LIN is soluble in water to approximately 

0.4% – significantly greater than the typical use 

concentrations – but it is preferable to pre-dissolve the 

product in a non-aqueous component prior to addition. 

This avoids the need to heat Iscaguard ® 

LIN, as the 

product should not be exposed to temperatures above 

40°C for prolonged periods. 


LIN may discolour on exposure to UV light and 


Table 21 


LIN (% w/w @ 25°C) 




Table 22 


LIN 













IPT 


IPT is a blend of phenoxyethanol and 

iodopropynyl butylcarbamate giving the advantages of 

broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection and the ease of 



IPT is effective at 0.6 – 1.0% in many 


anionic, cationic and non-ionic emulsifiers. The product 

should not be used in applications where direct contact 

with mucous membranes in intended. 


IPT is formaldehyde-free and retains its activity 

over the pH range 4.0 – 8.0. 



IPT is permitted for use in personal care 

products in the European Union and the USA 

(maximum 1.0%), but may not be used in products 

intended to come into direct contact with mucous 

membranes. It is not currently permitted in Japan. 

INCI name: phenoxyethanol, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate 


IPT 


IPT is soluble in water to approximately 0.4%, 

but may require gentle heating (35 - 40°C) to dissolve 

completely. It is advisable to pre-dissolve the product in 

one of the non-aqueous formulation components prior to 

addition unless the manufacturing process already 

requires heating. 


IPT may discolour on exposure to UV light and 




Table 23 


IPT (% w/w @ 25°C) 




Table 24 


IPT 












11 


MPB 


MPB is an optimised blend of methylparaben, 

propylparaben and bronopol in phenoxyethanol giving 

the advantages of broad-spectrum antimicrobial 

protection and ease of liquid handling. 



MPB exhibits excellent preservative efficacy, 

and is non-irritating to eyes, skin or mucous membranes. 


MPB is highly effective in a broad range of 

formulation types, but is particularly successful in sun care 

products (based both on UV absorbers and inorganic 

sunscreen agents), and in moist tissue wipes. Both of 

these product types are usually very difficult to preserve. 


MPB is compatible with most types of personal 

care ingredients and its use is strongly recommended in 

nonionic systems where parabens alone show reduced 

activity. Tests have shown that Iscaguard ® 

MPB 

significantly reduces and often completely eliminates the 

paraben inactivation effect exhibited by some nonionic 

emulsifiers. More details are available on request. 



MPB is permitted for use in personal care 

products in the European Union (maximum 1.33%) and 

the USA (safe as used). The product is not permitted in 

Japan. 


propylparaben, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol. 


MPB 


MPB is soluble in water to approximately 

0.5%. Heating to 40°C may be required, however, in 

order to dissolve the product more rapidly in aqueous 

solutions. Alternatively, Iscaguard ® 

MPB may be 

pre-dissolved in one of the other formulation 

components, e.g. surfactant or organic solvent. 


MPB should be added during the cooling stage 

(below 40°C, where possible) of hot processes to avoid 

preservative loss. 

Amines have the potential to form nitrosamines in 

products, and the presence of bronopol may increase this 

potential. It is recommended that Iscaguard ® 

MPB is not 

used in formulations containing amines. 



Table 25 


MPB (% w/w @ 25°C) 




Glycerine 10% 

Table 26 


MPB 













PBA 


PBA is an optimised combination of 

methylparaben and propylparaben in benzyl alcohol 

giving the advantages of broad-spectrum antimicrobial 

protection and the ease of liquid handling. 


PBA retains its activity in the presence of most 

cosmetic ingredients, and the use of benzyl alcohol 

eliminates / reduces the paraben inactivation observed 

with the use of some nonionic emulsifiers. (Contact ISCA 

for more details.) 


PBA retains its activity and is stable over the 

pH range 4 - 8. It is also stable to UV light. 


PBA is typically used at concentrations of 

0.3 – 0.8%. In systems that are difficult to preserve, 

slightly higher concentrations may be required. 


PBA is non-irritating to skin, eyes or mucous 

membranes at permitted use concentrations and may be 

used in a wide variety of formulation types, but has been 

demonstrated to be particularly effective in sun care 

products and moist tissue wipes. 



PBA is permitted for use in personal care 

products in the European Union (maximum 1.37%), the 

USA (safe as used) and Japan (maximum 3.7%). There is 

no limit applied to the use of benzyl alcohol in Japan, 

however, it is recommended that the use concentration 

does not exceed 1.37%. 

INCI name: benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, 

propylparaben. 


PBA 


PBA is soluble in water to approximately 0.5%. 

Heating to 40°C may be required, however, in order to 

dissolve the product more rapidly in aqueous solutions. 

Alternatively, Iscaguard ® 

PBA may be pre-dissolved in one 

of the other formulation components, e.g. surfactant or 

organic solvent. 


PBA should be added during the cooling stage 

(below 40°C, where possible) of hot processes in order to 

minimise loss of benzyl alcohol. 



Table 27 


PBA (% w/w @ 25°C) 




Phenoxyethanol Miscible 

Table 28 


PBA 












13 


PPM 


PPM is an optimised blend of methylparaben 

and propylparaben in phenoxyethanol giving the 

advantages of broad-spectrum activity and ease of liquid 

handling. 


PPM is compatible with most personal care 

ingredients and the presence of phenoxyethanol reduces, 

or overcomes the inactivation of parabens exhibited by 

some nonionic emulsifiers when parabens are used 

alone. In formulations with a high protein content, 

it may be necessary to use a higher concentration of 


PPM compared with a similar formulation 

with no protein present. 



PPM is non-irritant to skin, eyes and mucous 

membranes. 


PPM has application in all categories of 

personal care products and retains its activity over the 

range pH 3 – 8. 



PPM is permitted for use in personal care 

products in the European Union (maximum 1.39%), 

the USA (safe as used) and Japan (maximum 1.39%). 


propylparaben. 


PPM 


PPM is soluble in water at approximately 

0.5%, but may be incorporated at higher concentrations 

into formulations containing surfactants, oils and waxes. 

Prolonged heating at elevated temperatures is not 

recommended, but Iscaguard ® 

PPM may be added 

immediately after emulsification in hot processes. 



Table 29 


PPM (% w/w @ 25°C) 




Isopropyl myristate Miscible 

Table 30 


PPM 












Aquaguard ® 

9093 

Aquaguard 9093 is the latest environmentally friendly 

preservative from ISCA UK. It is suitable for both leave on 

and wash off products. Aquaguard 9093 is based on an 

aqueous dispersion of organic acids, and exhibits a broad 

spectrum anti microbial activity. The product is supplied 

as an easy to use, readily dispersible liquid which is 

alcohol and solvent free. 

Aquaguard 9093 is designed for use in skin friendly 

formulations with pH values up to 6.5. It offers protection 

against bacteria, yeast mould and fungi and also offers 

protection at the interface in containers. 


Aquaguard 9093 is permitted for use in personal care 

products within the European Union (maximum 1.5%) 

and the USA and Japan (safe as used). 

INCI name: Sodium benzoate & Sodium dehydroacetate. 

Using Aquaguard 9093 

Aquaguard 9093 is completely soluble in water. For 

effective performance a 48 hour contact period is 

necessary to kill any micro-organisms caused from 

contamination. Good production hygiene is advisable and 

the use of raw materials with a low level of 

contamination is essential. Aquaguard 9093 may be used 

in a wide range of personal care applications including 

cosmetics, toiletries, wet-wipes and suncare products. 



Use Concentrations 

Leave On 0.2 – 1.00% 

Rinse Off 0.2 – 1.00% 

ISCA UK highly recommends that the dose level is 

determined by incorporation into the end product. 

ISCA UK offers a challenge testing service to determine 

the suitability of its products in the intended end use 

application. 

Table 31 

Antimicrobial activity of Aquaguard 9093 












15 


BIB 


BIB is a blend of 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 

3-diol (bronopol) and iodopropynyl butyl carbamate 

(IPBC) in Benzyl alcohol, giving the advantages of 

broad-spectrum anti-microbial protection and the ease of 



BIB retains its activity and is stable over 

a pH range of 4.5 – 8.5. 


BIB 


BIB is soluble up to approximately 2.5% in 

water, but warming up to 40ºC may help speed its 

dissolution. It is recommended that it is added during 

the cooling stage of hot processes. Iscaguard ® 

BIB is 

typically used 0.05 – 0.3%. 

Regulatory status 


BIB is approved for use in Europe at up to 

0.61% but should not be used in oral hygiene and 

lipcare products. It is considered safe as used in the US. 


BIB is not permitted in Japan. 



Table 32 


BIB 







Iscaguard® 

Iscaguard ® BOA is a brand new environmentally friendly 

preservative suitable for leave on and wash off products. 

It is based on benzyl alcohol with a synergistic blend of 

organic acids. It has advantages of being broad spectrum 

and comes in the form of an easy dispersible liquid. 

Iscaguard ® BOA is designed for use in skin friendly 


against bacteria, yeasts mould and fungi and also offers 



Iscaguard ® BOA is permitted for use in personal care 


and the USA and Japan (safe as used) 

INCI name: Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydro Acetic Acid, Sorbic 

Acid and Benzoic Acid 

Using Iscaguard ® BOA 

Iscaguard ® BOA is soluble in water to approximately 1% 

however heating to 40°C maybe required for dispersion 

into some aqueous solutions. For effective performance it 

is advisable a 48 hour contact period is necessary to kill 

any micro-organisms caused from contamination. Good 

production hygiene is advisable and also raw materials 

with a low level of contamination are essential. 



BOA 


Leave On 0.2 – 1.00% 

Rinse Off 0.2 – 1.00% 

ISCA UK Limited highly recommends the usage 

concentration should always be determined by 

incorporation into the end product. ISCA UK LIMITED 

offers a free challenge testing service to determine 

suitability of its products. 

Table 33 

Antimicrobial activity of Iscaguard ® BOA 












17 


Iscaguard ® POA is a paraben free, environmentally friendly 

preservative suitable for leave on and wash off products. It 

is based on Phenoxyethanol with a synergistic blend of 

organic acids. It has advantages of being broad spectrum 

and comes in the form of an easy dispersible liquid. 

Iscaguard ® POA is designed for use in skin friendly 


against bacteria, yeasts mould and fungi and also offers 



Iscaguard ® POA is permitted for use in personal care 


and the USA and Japan (safe as used) 

INCI name: Phenoxyethanol, Dehydro Acetic Acid, Sorbic 

Acid and Benzoic Acid 

Using Iscaguard ® POA 

Iscaguard ® POA is soluble in water to approximately 1% 

however heating to 40°C maybe required for dispersion 

into some aqueous solutions. For effective performance it 

is advisable a 48 hour contact period is necessary to kill 

any micro-organisms cause from contamination. Good 

production hygiene is advisable and also raw materials 

with a low level of contamination are essential. 



POA 


Leave On 0.2 – 1.00% 

Rinse Off 0.2 – 1.00% 

ISCA UK Limited highly recommends the usage 

concentration should always be determined by 

incorporation into the end product. ISCA UK LIMITED 

offers a free challenge testing service to determine 

suitability of its products. 

Table 34 

Antimicrobial activity of Iscaguard ® POA 













Iscaguard ® PFA is a “preservative free additive” with a 

synergistic combination of multifunctional cosmetic raw 

materials with broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection. 

Iscaguard ® PFA may be classed as a “preservative free 

system”. This system represent an alternative to 

traditional cosmetic preservatives allowing 

self-preserving formulations thereby reducing irritant 

and sensitizing potentials. 

Iscaguard ® PFA is stable and active over a pH range of 

4 to 8. Typical use levels for Iscaguard ® PFA range from 

0.5% to 1.5%. It is synergistic in combination with 

chelating agents. 


Iscaguard ® PFA is permitted worldwide for use in both 

leave-on and rinse-off personal care products. 

EU – allowed without restriction in all products 

(not listed on Annex VI) 

USA – allowed without restriction in all products 

Japan – allowed without restrictions in all products 

Phenethyl alcohol is judged safe for use in cosmetics 

to 1.0%. Based on the CIR review for phenethyl alcohol 

and the good toxicity assessment for caprylyl glycol 

Iscaguard ® PFA should be safe in cosmetics up to 1.8% 

INCI name: phenethyl alcohol and caprylyl glycol 

Using Iscaguard ® PFA 

Iscaguard ® PFA is particularly suitable for emulsions, 

oil and surfactant based formulations and may be used 

in aqueous formulations upto its solubility limit i.e. 0.6%. 

Iscaguard ® PFA can be added to formulation at 

temperatures up to 80ºC, prolonged heating at elevated 

temperatures is not recommended. 



PFA 

Physical/Chemical Characteristics 

Caprylyl glycol 35 – 45% 

Phenethyl alcohol 55 – 65% 

Appearance Clear colorless liquid 

Odor Mild rose-like odor 

Density 0.98 g/ml 

pH (0.5% in water) 4.6 

Table 35 

Solubility of Iscaguard ® PFA (% w/w @ 25ºC) 

Water 0.6% 

Ethanol >50% 

Propylene glycol >50% 

Butylene glycol >50% 

Table 36 

Antimicrobial activity of Iscaguard ® PFA 



Pseudomonas aeruginosa 0.10 - 0.30 

Escherichia coli 

Proteus vulgaris 

0.10 – 0.20 

Staphylococcus aureus 0.175 – 0.2 

Bacillus subtilis 0.20 

Enterococcus hirae 0.20 

Candida albicans 0.175 – 0.25 



19 



Iscaguard + SAP 

The preservation of cosmetic products is becoming ever 

more customer driven partially due to a wider knowledge 

base and partially due to bad press of chemical based 

preservatives. Combined with this regulatory standards 

governing personal care products are becoming more 

stringent. In the last thirty years we have seen several 

groups of chemical products either removed through 

legislation or becoming unpopular. Isca UK Ltd has worked 

on a solution whereby customers are able to purchase 

products that whilst they are not preservative chemicals 

as listed in Annex VI of the Biocidal Products Directive, 

they do inherently have anti-microbial properties. 

Iscaguard + SAP is enriched with L(+) amino acids 

physiologically valuable substances which contribute 

considerably to antimicrobial effects. 

Iscaguard + SAP is a 100% natural preservative containing 

Ecocert certified ingredients. It is a synergistic blend of 

propandiol with Salix alba extract. The renewablysourced 

propanediol made using a unique process is more 

sustainable compared to petroleum-based 1,3-PDO and 

PG. Benefits include its high purity, lack of skin irritation 

or sensitization, improved humectancy, excellent 

aesthetics and environmentally sustainable nature. 

Iscaguard + SAP is based on compounds that occur in 

nature and have natural anti-microbial properties. 

Typical use levels for Iscaguard + SAP range from 

0.125% to 1.0% 

Using Iscaguard + SAP 

Iscaguard + SAP is soluble in water to approximately 

0.35%, the preferred method of use is to pre dissolve into 

the non-aqueous phase prior to addition. This negates the 

need to heat Iscaguard + SAP. 

INCI name: Propandiol & Salix alba. 


Not Regulated 

Antimicrobial activity of Iscaguard + SAP 



Pseudomonas aeruginosa ≤ 0.125 

Escherichia coli ≤ 0.125 

Staphylococcus aureus ≤ 0.125 



Iscaguard MIT 

Iscaguard is a safe, broad spectrum bactericide for the 

preservation of leave-on and rinse-off products. 

Iscaguard MIT is a particularly suitable as replacement for 

formaldehyde donors in leave-on applications such as 

skin care formulations and sun care formulations, Zinc 

pyrithione-based antidandruff shampoos, high pH 

surfactant systems and high pH liquid cleaners. 

Iscaguard MIT provides formulators with a non 

formaldehyde-releasing bactericidal solution which is 

effective at very low use levels. Iscaguard MIT is also 

compatible with existing fungicides like parabens and is 

more stable in difficult to preserve high pH formulations. 

INCI Name: Methylisothiazolinone 


Isacaguard MIT is supported by extensive toxicology 

studies and global regulatory dossiers and is expected 

to have global approvals for use in cosmetics at the 

time of printing. 

Using Iscaguard MIT 

Iscaguard MIT preservative should be added as the last 

ingredient and at the lowest temperature (≤ 45°C if 

possible). Since the components of personal care 

formulations vary considerably and may impact on the 

effect of preservatives, we urge each manufacturer to 

confirm the efficacy and stability of Iscaguard MIT in use. 

The recommended use level is 0.05% - 0.1% (48 - 95 

ppm of active ingredient) as supplied. At low 

contamination risk and low detergent or protein content; 

0.01-0.05% 

At medium contamination risk, medium detergent or 

protein content; 0.05 - 0.1% 



Solubility of Iscaguard MIT (%w/w @ 25ºc) 

Water Miscible 

Propylene Glycol Miscible 

Butylene Glycol Miscible 

Antimicrobial activity of Iscaguard MIT 












The MIC-values have been determined in dilution assays: 

Bacteria: 24-48 h at 37ºC 

Yeast/Fungi: 48-72 h at 28ºC

Preserving Making chemistry the work tradition for you 

ISCA UK Ltd 

Nine Mile Point Industrial Estate 

Cross Keys, Newport NP11 7HZ 

Wales, UK 

Tel: +44(0)1495 200747 

Fax: +44(0)1495 200757 

E-mail: enquiries@iscauk.com 

www.iscauk.com 

Technical Service 

ISCA support their product range with a telephone 

advisory service and in-house microbiological testing 

facilities. Please contact any member of our team for 

further details. 

Disclaimer 

Whilst the information contained herein is accurate to the 

best of our knowledge, no warranty is either expressed or 

implied. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure 

that their products will remain preserved over the 

anticipated shelf life. 

United Registrar of Systems Cert No.11860

ISCAGUARD ® Preservatives for Personal Care - ISCA UK Ltd

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