Aminat® G is a green preservative and antimicrobial active. Derived from natural building blocks—L-arginine (an amino acid) and Lauric acid (from plant oils) and Ethanol (from sugar fermentation) in a glycerin carrier. It is specifically designed as a “food-grade” surfactant technology for the cosmetic and personal care industry, offering a mild yet potent alternative to traditional synthetic preservatives.
Key Benefits
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: Highly effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
- Unique Mode of Action: Acts via membrane disruption, increasing cell permeability to trigger the loss of cell viability without inducing microbial resistance.
- Conditioning Properties: Due to its cationic nature, it provides a substantive “softening” effect on both skin and hair, improving manageability and skin feel.
- Green Substitute: Frequently used as a sustainable and naturally derived alternative for anti-dandruff applications and deodorants.
- High Safety Profile: Offers a very mild profile. Rapidly metabolized in the human body into arginine and lauric acid; non-toxic and non-sensitizing, and environmentally friendly (biodegradable).
Handling & Formulation Guidelines
Because Aminat® G is cationic, it requires specific formulation strategies to maintain stability and efficacy.
Compatibility & Stability
- The “Anionic” Challenge: Its cationic nature means it can react with anionic (negatively charged) ingredients, potentially causing precipitation or loss of activity.
- Avoid/Minimize: Anionic surfactants (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), Anionic thickeners (e.g., Xanthan Gum, Carbomers), or anionic active ingredients.
- Formulation Hack: To achieve the maximum performance, add Aminat®-G at the final stage of production (post-emulsification/ cooling) after other anionic components have been stabilized, and once the pH has been adjusted.
Regulatory Compliance (EU Annex V and Annex III)
To ensure compliance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, it is essential to distinguish between the use of Aminat® G as a preservative and its use as an active ingredient for specific functions. Because Aminat® G is a solution containing Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl (LAE®), the dosage of the finished product must be calculated based on this active concentration.
Use as a Preservative (Annex V)
When utilized primarily for its preservative properties, the maximum concentration of the active substance (Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl, LAE®) is limited to 0.4%. In practice, this allows for the inclusion of up to 2% Aminat® G in the total weight of the final cosmetic formula. This usage level is permitted in the majority of cosmetic products, with three specific exclusions:
- It may not be used in lip products.
- It is not allowed in oral products, with the sole exception of mouthwashes.
- It is not permitted in sprayable products with propellant.
In the case of mouthwashes, the regulatory limit is stricter. The active substance must not exceed 0.15%, which equates to a maximum of 0.75% Aminat® G. Additionally, mouthwashes products containing this ingredient must not be marketed for or used by children under the age of 10.
Use as an Active Ingredient (Annex III)
For formulations where Aminat® G serves a purpose other than preservation—specifically in soaps, anti-dandruff shampoos, and non-spray deodorants—the regulatory allowance for the active substance increases to 0.8%. This higher threshold allows formulators to use up to 4% Aminat® G to leverage its antimicrobial and conditioning benefits as a functional “active” rather than just a preservative system.
