Perservatives Again

[Guest guest]

I have crossed posted this, so please forgive me if you have already read it. I

am very confused about the different perservatives for lotions and such. I've

found numerous products that claim to be perservatives, but am unsure which work

and with what. I need a bit of directions and what has worked for you and what

hasn't. HELP!!! What I am looking for is something to put into lotions,

cremes, and also waterbased sprays. I assume I don't need to worry about

perservatives in the sprays I make with witchhazel (or do I?).

Below is a list of different products that claim to be perservatives, which ones

are reliable to use and for what (oil, water, etc based products). How do you

use them, do you use a mix of a perservative and anti-oxidant? I included some

of their claims.

a.. EUXYL K 700 - contains sorbic acid, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol and

tocopherols as the active ingredients. Made in Germany by Schulke & Mayr, this

compound preservative was designed to address the problems associated with

single-product preservatives. Approved as safe for use in Japan, unlike

Germaben products. Should be used at pH 5.5 and less, alone. It is an aqueous

solution, it is readily water-dispersable. Does not contain parabens, there are

no restrictions on its use with PEG compounds. (I have no idea what parabens

are and PEG compounds).

b.. Methylparaben NF - broad spectrum preservative suitable for use in

lotions

and other water based applications.

c.. Potassium Sorbate - (K Sorbate) - Potassium sorbate, a fatty acid, has

well-demonstrated anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties in both the food and

cosmetic industries.

d.. Germaben and Germaben II (what is the difference?)

e.. Rosemary Oleoresin (aka Rosemary Oil Extract) natural preservative to

prevent rancidity in fixed or carrier oils. Provides long-lasting anti-oxidant

protection.

f.. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE)

It's my understanding that Vitamin E, Rosemary Oil and GSE are anti-oxidants not

perservatives, right????Any help you can give is greatly appreciated. I'm

lost...............

 

Thanks, Carol Walsh