Zeastat

Zeastat (INCI: Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Propanediol) is a 100% natural, readily biodegradable, and water-soluble preservation component. Derived from sustainable coconut and corn feedstocks, it is engineered as a high-performance fungistatic building block for Hurdle Technology. By combining the unique organic chelator Caprylhydroxamic Acid (CHA) with a natural Propanediol carrier, Zeastat provides a specialized solution for yeast and mould control in “clean label” cosmetics.

Key Benefits and Performance

• Targeted Fungistatic Protection: Specifically designed to provide robust control over yeasts and moulds, filling the critical gap in many natural antibacterial systems.

• Neutral pH Efficacy: Unlike traditional organic acids (e.g., Sorbic or Benzoic acid), the active CHA remains undissociated at neutral pH. This allows it to maintain its fungistatic potency at pH 7.0 and above, where conventional options lose efficacy.

• Iron-Chelating Mechanism: CHA functions as a specialized chelating agent that sequesters the iron necessary for fungal metabolism, effectively starving mould and yeast spores to prevent germination.

• 100% Bio-based Carrier: The Propanediol base not only facilitates easy incorporation but also acts as a humectant and booster, potentially reducing the water activity  of the formulation.

• Broad Compatibility: Highly versatile and stable, making it an ideal partner for diverse antimicrobial “building blocks” in customized preservation systems.

Formulation Guidelines

• Primary Role: The “Antifungal Pillar” of a broad-spectrum preservation system.

• Preservation Strategy: Must be combined with a bacteriostatic agent (such as Glyceryl Caprylate or Caprylyl Glycol) to achieve a complete, broad-spectrum microbial barrier.

• pH Range: Extremely versatile; effective in a wide pH range, offering a wider operational window than almost any other natural antifungal.

• Target Applications: Ideal for high-pH cleansers, natural emulsions, and “preservative-free” claim products where fungal resistance is often the weakest link.