Microorganisms
Microorganisms, also known as germs, are animal or plant microscopic organisms that are invisible to the naked eye.
Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. They can exist as vegetative forms, characterised by metabolic activity, or as spores, which are their permanent form.
These carry genetic material but do not carry out any metabolism. Microorganisms can, due to their reproduction and metabolic activity, cause the products they colonise to spoil, and pathogenic microorganisms cause disease.
This is the main reason for preserving cosmetics and creating conditions that make colonisation by microorganisms difficult.
Reproduction occurs through cell division, the speed of which depends on the living conditions in the medium they colonise. They usually have to survive under conditions of scarcity, which limits germ growth:
In the start-up phase, the germ culture adapts to the environmental conditions until the maximum division rate is reached. This remains in the exponential phase until the cell count is so high that the germs compete for substrates and living space, which initiates the stationary phase.
Depending on the germ species and living conditions, this can last a long time and eventually transitions into the death phase. The reasons for this phase are not yet fully understood, but a connection with toxic metabolic products and autolysis by the cells’ own enzymes is assumed.
The human skin is colonised by many germs, the number of which varies depending on the location and, in particular, the moisture on the skin surface.
A number of up to 100 CFU/cm² is considered to be normal skin flora. The germs on healthy skin are mainly of the species Corynebacteria, Staphylococci, Acinetobacter, Micrococci and Malassezia and are not harmful to health.
We therefore believe it is important to reduce the use of preservatives as much as possible to minimise their impact on the natural skin flora.
The bacterial composition on diseased skin can vary greatly and often contains large numbers of pathogenic bacteria. Here, the focus is on reducing pathogenic species and supporting the skin’s own regeneration.
Trust in mild, multifunctional preservation
We rely on the innovative, mild preservative systems of our partner Cosactive GmbH, which have been specially developed for sensitive skin care products. These systems combine safety and effectiveness with excellent skin compatibility – and do not contain any listed preservatives.
Cosactive MF 0507 ECO is a multifunctional, plant-based active ingredient system with pentylene glycol and 1,2-heptanediol. It has antimicrobial, moisturising and antioxidant properties. It is ideal for W/O and O/W emulsions as well as clear formulations. The recommended concentration is 2–3.5%.
Cosactive MF 0506 offers the same benefits as MF 0507, but replaces 1,2-heptanediol with 1,2-hexanediol, which is positively listed in China – an equally effective alternative with comparable efficacy and functionality.
Cosactive MF 0508 has been specially developed for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. It combines hydroxyacetophenone with Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract and offers antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The formulation is particularly gentle on the skin and is ideal for sensitive formulations. Recommended use concentration: 1.5–3%, process below 40°C.
All products are vegan, free from classic preservatives and easy to process. They meet current consumer demands for mild but effective product preservation – a clear advantage for modern cosmetic brands.
Just ask us, we will be happy to advise you.
Literature:
Drews, G. (2010): What are microorganisms and how did they evolve; Microbiology; Springer Berlin Heidelberg: 5-6
Systematic investigations into the hygiene risk of unpreserved creams; dissertation, Carsten Doehling, 2010
Wallhäußer, K. H. (1995): Praxis der Sterilisation, Desinfektion, Konservierung (Practical Sterilisation, Disinfection and Preservation), Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart
Hadaway, L. C. (2003): Skin flora and infection. J Infus Nurs 26 (1): 44-48
Roth, R. R.; James, W. D. (1989): Microbiology of the Skin – Resident Flora, Ecology, Infection.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 20 (3): 367-390