Indian company launches spice-based cosmetics preservative

The Mumbai-based company, which specializes in preservatives for the personal care industry says its latest preservative, called Sali Natural CCL, is the product of extensive research and development work that focused on a variety of different essential oils.

The company tested a wide range of oils, many of them native to India, to determine which ones had the greatest preservative properties and which worked best in conjunction with one another.

Naturally-derived essential oils​

By using the naturally derived cinnamon leaf and curry leaf essential oils, the company is tapping into the fast growing market for natural-based personal care formulations.

The Kline Group estimates that the natural personal care market grew by 19 percent to reach $2bn in 2008 and is predicting that it should display further growth in 2009, despite the economic downturn.

Challenge of sourcing natural preservatives​

However, for many formulators, one big challenge has proved to be the sourcing of natural-based preservative alternatives.

Both the curry leaf oil, also known as Murraya Koenigii, and the cinnamon leaf oil, also known as Cinnamonom Zeyalanicum, are sourced throughout India, with the essential oil derived by steaming the leaves.

The company says it sources the leaves for the formulation from its own 100 acre plantation, with the extraction taking place in an FDA-approved processing facility.

Broad spectrum liquid preservative​

The result of the testing is a new formulation that combines to create a broad spectrum liquid preservative which the company says is suitable for a wide range of both personal care and cosmetic products.

Designed specifically for formulations with a ph <​ 6, it is claimed to be effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeast and mold.

Used with a dosage level of 0.75 – 1.2 percent, it is suitable for a variety of rinse-off products, including shampoos and body washes, as well as a variety of skin care products, including gels, cream and lotions.

As well as producing a range of over 25 preservatives for the personal care industry, the company also produces seven different chemicals created especially for sunscreen products.