Description
Microcare SBB is a ready-to-use liquid preservative blend of benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid and sorbic acid, designed for water-containing personal care formulations.
Why a blend? Each ingredient plays a different role. Benzyl alcohol is the broad-range partner and is especially associated with Gram-negative bacteria. Benzoic acid and sorbic acid are organic acids used to support protection against bacteria and moulds/yeasts.
pH matters. Organic acid preservatives work best when your product is acidic enough to keep them in their active (undissociated) form. Microcare SBB performs best at a final pH of 4.5 – 5.0 and can still be used up to pH 6. Test your finished product with a pH meter or strips and adjust if needed.
Using it. The supplier recommends 0.5 – 1.1% in both leave-on and rinse-off products. Microcare SBB has limited solubility in water, so incorporation matters. Add it early in your process, with warming to around 40°C and thorough mixing until the blend is fully dispersed. In emulsions, it is typically added with the heated phases. Avoid prolonged heating, as some of the blend can be lost through evaporation. Always check your finished product for clarity and separation and use preservative challenge testing to confirm it suits your formula.
Every formula is different, so we recommend preservative challenge testing on your finished product.
Suitable for a range of water-containing products, including:
- Shampoos
- Hair conditioners
- Styling gels
- Liquid soaps
- Bath gels
- Moisturising creams
- Body creams and milks
This product is intended for external use only