preservativesLiquid Blend

Benzyl Alcohol (and) Salicylic Acid (and) Glycerin (and) Sorbic Acid

Ecoguard (Natural Preservative)

preservativeantimicrobialhumectant

INCI Name

Benzyl Alcohol (and)...

Functions

3 Roles

Sustainability

7/10

Category

preservatives

What It Does

Ecoguard is a synergistic multi-component preservative system combining benzyl alcohol's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with salicylic acid's keratolytic and antimicrobial properties, enhanced by glycerin's humectant benefits and sorbic acid's antifungal efficacy. This liquid blend is specifically designed for natural and organic cosmetic formulations, offering effective preservation at lower pH ranges while maintaining a clean label profile. Formulators choose this system because it provides robust protection against bacteria, yeast, and mold while the glycerin component adds moisturizing benefits, making it particularly suitable for leave-on products and formulations seeking natural preservation alternatives.

Prevents bacterial contamination
Extends product shelf life
Ensures formula safety over time
Maintains product efficacy

Technical Properties

pH Range

3.5-5.5

Optimal working range

Ionic Charge

nonionic

Molecular charge type

Viscosity Effect

neutral

Impact on formula thickness

Ingredient Compatibility

Known Interactions

RETINOLUse CautionpH Conflict

Retinol and Salicylic Acid together increase irritation risk. Salicylic Acid's optimal pH (2.5-4) destabilizes Retinol. Best used in separate routines.

GLYCOLIC ACIDUse CautionIrritation Risk

Combining AHA (Glycolic) and BHA (Salicylic) at full concentrations significantly increases irritation risk and can compromise the skin barrier. If combining, reduce concentrations of both.

LACTIC ACIDUse CautionIrritation Risk

Combining AHA (Lactic) and BHA (Salicylic) increases exfoliation beyond what most skin can tolerate. Reduce concentrations if combining, or use in separate products.

TRETINOINUse CautionIrritation Risk

Tretinoin combined with Salicylic Acid causes excessive exfoliation and irritation. Both are potent actives that thin the stratum corneum. Do not combine at full strength.

Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

7/10

Biodegradability

readily biodegradable

Source

mixed

Feedstock

benzyl alcohol from plant sources, salicylic acid from willow bark or synthetic, glycerin from plant oils, sorbic acid from fermentation

Available Variants

2 forms available

Liquid Blend

Standard

Quick Reference

Full INCI Name
Benzyl Alcohol (and) Salicylic Acid (and) Glycerin (and) Sorbic Acid
Common Name
Ecoguard (Natural Preservative)
Category
preservatives

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