Synergistic Effects of Multifunctional Ingredients in Self-Preserving Body Care Cosmeceuticals

Abstract

The evolution of body care cosmetics has been driven by the pursuit of visible benefits that enhance skin health and beauty. Today, body care products include moisturizers, sunscreens, skin brighteners, and chemical peels. Microbiological protection is crucial to preventing contamination that can compromise product quality, harm the skin, and pose health risks by introducing pathogens. To address these concerns, preservatives are commonly added to safeguard cosmetics during production, use, and storage.
However, escalating concerns regarding the safety of chemical preservatives in cosmetics have spurred a growing demand for self-preserving or preservative-free alternatives. Consequently, research has shifted toward exploring multifunctional ingredients with inherent antimicrobial properties as viable substitutes for traditional preservatives.
This article presents the development of self-preserving body care cosmeceutical products using multifunctional ingredients alongside other cosmetic components. Through systematic investigation, ternary mixtures of multifunctional actives exhibiting synergistic interactions were identified. The efficacy of these formulations in providing microbiologically safe, self-preserving products equivalent to those preserved with approved preservatives was validated. Specifically, formulations containing sodium coco PG-dimonium chloride, ricinoleic acid, and sorbitan caprylate at specific ratios (1:6.3:10, 1:6.3:12.5, and 1:6.3:37.5) demonstrated notable synergistic effects.
Body wash gel, lotion, and cream formulations incorporating these synergistic compositions were prepared and compared against conventional preservative and non-preserved formulations. Preservation efficacy testing conducted over a 28-day period confirmed the effectiveness of the antimicrobial blends.
Overall, this research highlights the feasibility and efficacy of formulating self-preserving body care cosmeceuticals using multifunctional ingredients, addressing the growing consumer demand for safer and more sustainable cosmetic solutions.