Univar and the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) introduced a natural preservative solution that protects personal care products against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria without altering the formulation's odor or color. NataPres (INCI: Glycerin (and) Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate (and) Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract (and) Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Extract (and) Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract (and) and Gluconolactone), which is manufactured by PCCA and distributed by Univar, effectively preserves products at pH 2-8.
Although the preservative solution's predominant activity is against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, it was also shown to demonstrated activity against fungi and yeast when used at typical levels.
According to the companies, natural preservatives often affect a formulations color and odor, which is not the case with the preservative solution. "[The solution] has been tested, and proven effective. It presents none of the undesirable characteristics typically associated with natural preservatives," noted Phyllis Shout, Univar’s personal care industry director, in a company press release.
The preservative solution is a yellow viscous liquid with a pH 4.9 that is recommended at 0.5–2.5% in hand creams, body creams and lotions, facial products, shampoos and conditioners. It can be added directly to the formulation post-emulsification at or below 50°C and is water soluble. The solution is compatible with most ingredients used in the personal care and pharmaceutical industry. Products which are highly prone to mold or yeast growth might need additional fungal protection.