Antimicrobial agents and preservatives

Preservatives are not the highlight of any cosmetic product, but without them, products wouldn't last a week. Also, there is a big difference between the type of preservatives used in the formulations, especially in the natural cosmetic industry. 

The job of the preservatives is to prevent the growth of microorganisms and bacteria that would otherwise contaminate the product. Preservatives, by their very nature, must be somewhat destructive to perform this job successfully. Presently, no 100% natural or organic preservative effectively protects a product from contamination for a long time compared to what most consumers consider an acceptable shelf-life expectancy. 

Natural standard and transparency is our goal, so we want to give our customers honest and full insight into ALL the ingredients we are using, including "the bad ones." As part of our mission to provide the greenest formulations possible, we are working hard to remove these ingredients from our portfolio.

In the meantime, you can rest assured that the preservatives currently used in Doglyness products are eco or food-grade preservatives recognized by ECOGEA, ECOCERT, and COSMOS - leading organizations for certifying organic and natural products in Europe.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an American activist group that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of agricultural subsidies, toxic chemicals, drinking water pollutants, and corporate accountability. EWG is a nonprofit organization on a mission to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. 

EWG Scores explained
EWG analyzes and rates individual ingredients according to their toxicity. Individual ingredient ratings for a product are combined to find an overall product rating. 
EWG 1-2: High safety    
EWG 3-6: Moderate safety
EWG 7-10: Low safety
N/A: Not yet rated

* Ingredients from natural origin (Verified by Ecogea.org)
** Ingredients from an organic agricultural source (Verified by Ecogea.org)

INCI: Benzyl Alcohol
Function: Preservative, Product stabilizer
Known for: Safeguard formulation

Benzyl Alcohol is an eco-preservative recognized by ECOGEA, ECOCERT, and COSMOS, leading organizations for certifying organic and natural products in Europe. Benzyl Alcohol is one of the most commonly used preservatives in natural skincare. 

The job of the preservatives is to prevent the growth of microorganisms and bacteria that would otherwise contaminate the product. Preservatives, by their very nature, must be somewhat destructive to perform this job successfully. Presently, no 100% natural or organic preservative effectively protects a product from contamination for a long time compared to what most consumers consider an acceptable shelf-life expectancy.

At Doglyness, we use Benzyl Alcohol as a less harmful option to conventional parabens to protect our products. As part of our mission to provide the greenest formulations possible, we are working hard to remove this ingredient from our portfolio.

EWG 1-3
Benzyl alcohol is a naturally occurring and synthetic ingredient used as a Solvent and Preservative; it has been associated with contact allergy.

INCI: Dehydroacetic Acid 
Function: Preservative
Known for: Safeguard formulation

A mild preservative that guards our formulations.

Dehydroacetic Acid is a broad spectrum preservative suitable for natural cosmetics and recognized by ECOGEA, ECOCERT, and COSMOS, leading organizations for certifying organic and natural products in Europe. Dehydroacetic Acid is one of the most commonly used preservatives in natural skincare. 

The job of the preservatives is to prevent the growth of microorganisms and bacteria that would otherwise contaminate the product. Preservatives, by their very nature, must be somewhat destructive to perform this job successfully. Presently, no 100% natural or organic preservative effectively protects a product from contamination for a length of time compared to what most consumers consider an acceptable shelf-life expectancy.

At Doglyness, we are using Dehydroacetic Acid as a less harmful option to conventional parabens to protect our products. As part of our mission to provide the greenest formulations possible, we are working hard to remove this ingredient from our portfolio.

EWG 1
Dehydroacetic Acid is a synthetic preservative.

INCI: Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate *
Function: Preservative
Known for: Safeguard Formulation

A natural ingredient with excellent antimicrobial and preservative properties.

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is created by fermenting radishes with Leuconostoc Kimchii – a lactic acid bacteria that has traditionally been used to make fermented foods such as kimchi. During this fermentation process, the bacteria release an antimicrobial peptide which is very effective as a natural preservative. Using this ingredient helps preserve our products for longer and keeps them free from bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. 

Another advantage to this ingredient is that it has excellent moisturizing properties and a natural antimicrobial. Tests have shown that Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate can increase moisturization, making it perfect for repairing dry and damaged coats.  

This natural filtrate is one of the first natural antimicrobial ingredients we have used here at Doglyness, and we're a little bit in love with it! It improves the stability and longevity of our formulations, allowing us to reduce the amount of chemical-based preservatives required. The exciting thing about this natural preservative is that it is one of the first to be developed, which can work alone – so no other chemical preservatives are required! 

EWG 1
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a filtrate of the product obtained by the fermentation of Raphanus sativus roots by the microorganism, Leuconostoc.

INCI: Potassium Sorbate
Function: Preservative, Fragrance Ingredient
Known for: Safeguard formulation

A mild preservative that guards our formulations against microorganisms.

Potassium Sorbate is a mild preservative recognized by ECOGEA, ECOCERT, and COSMOS, leading organizations for certifying organic and natural products in Europe. 

Potassium Sorbate serves in cosmetic formulations as an alternative to parabens to prevent the growth of microorganisms and protect the products from going bad. 

This skin-friendly preservative is derived from Sorbic Acid, which is naturally part of the Mountain Ash Tree Berries. Potassium Sorbate is effective against fungi, mold, and yeast but less active against bacteria, and therefore not considered a broad-spectrum preservative.  It needs to be used in combination with other preservatives to ensure formulas are safe and protected. 

EWG 2
Potassium Sorbate is a Potassium salt of Sorbic Acid, a naturally occurring antimicrobial compound; used as a preservative

INCI: Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract**
Function: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial agent, Conditioning agent
Known for: Natural antioxidant, Hair growth stimulation

A powerful natural antioxidant.

Rosemary Leaf Extract is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. This natural antioxidant is derived from the rosemary leaves through carbon dioxide extraction of the leaves. The main constituents (members) of rosemary are Carnosic and Ursolic Acid. Recent studies show that rosemary extract and its members enhance the activity of enzymes that can detoxify carcinogens. Rosemary Leaf Extract works stimulating for the hair regrowth and has multi-functional antioxidative properties.

We use Rosemary Leaf Extract in our products to enhance and preserve the freshness of our botanicals, especially those that contain oils. Rosemary Leaf Extract protects the body and skin from free radical damage.

EWG 1
Rosemary Leaf Extract is produced from the leaves of the Rosmarinus Officinalis plant.

INCI: Sodium Benzoate
Function: Preservative, Fragrance ingredient
Known for: Safeguard formulation

Our Antifungal Soldier.

Sodium Benzoate is a food-grade preservative recognized by ECOGEA, ECOCERT, and COSMOS, leading organizations for certifying organic and natural products in Europe. Sodium Benzoate is one of the most commonly used preservatives in natural skincare. 

The job of the preservatives is to prevent the growth of microorganisms and bacteria that would otherwise contaminate the product. Preservatives, by their very nature, must be somewhat destructive to perform this job successfully. Presently, no 100% natural or organic preservative effectively protects a product from contamination for a long time compared to what most consumers consider an acceptable shelf-life expectancy.

At Doglyness, we are using Sodium Benzoate as a less harmful option to conventional parabens to protect our products. As part of our mission to provide the greenest formulations possible, we are working hard to remove this ingredient from our portfolio.

EWG 1-3
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative commonly used in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

INCI: Sodium Levulinate*
Function: Preservative, Conditioning agent
Known for: Safeguard formulation, skin softening

A skin-friendly preservative.

Sodium Levulinate is salt from plant-derived Levulinic Acid. It is a very mild (food grade) preservative recognized by ECOGEA, ECOCERT, and COSMOS, leading organizations for certifying organic and natural products in Europe. 

This very mild preservative also helps to condition and soften the skin. 

EWG 1
Sodium Levulinate is a sodium salt of Levulinic Acid

INCI: Sodium Phytate *
Function: Stabilizer
Known for: Natural preservative

Fans of natural products have long been aware to avoid anything 'artificial', and we all pick products listed as free from artificial colours, additives, and preservatives whenever possible. However, our products would have a very short shelf-life without preservatives, so how do we keep them in prime condition for as long as possible?

The secret is – as always – is in the natural world! Sodium phytate is derived from a saturated cyclic acid called Phytic Acid which can be found in abundance in plant tissues, particularly bran and seeds. Its function in the natural world is to store phosphorus, but when we convert it to sodium phytate it develops incredible stabilizing properties.

Sodium phytate is a chelating agent that helps to prevent undesirable reactions between other ingredients. This stabilizing action ensures that the blend of ingredients does not alter over time and reduces discolouration and rancidity.

EWG 1

Sodium Phytate is a complex sodium salt of Phytic Acid (q.v.).

INCI: Tocopheryl Acetate (Stable Vitamin E)
Function: Conditioning Agent
Known for: Preservative with moisturizing abilities

Vitamin E Acetate, also known as stable vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant that helps to promote skin healing and fight free radical damage. It also moisturizes and strengthens the skin's protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and reducing the impact of environmental pathogens.

This form of vitamin E has been stabilized using acetic acid, meaning it lasts much longer than the pure form. It also helps to keep other oils and ingredients in the best possible condition, preventing them from going rancid.