Cosphagard® Pol (INCI: Aqua, Sodium Levulinate, Potassium Sorbate) is a cost-effective, high-performance preservative blend. It combines the skin-conditioning and antibacterial power of Sodium Levulinate (derived from sugar cane or corn) with the well-established antifungal strength of nature-identical Potassium Sorbate. This blend is designed for formulators who need a reliable, full-spectrum microbial defense system that balances natural-origin credentials with industrial efficiency.
Key Benefits and Performance
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Full-Spectrum Protection: The synergy between levulinic and sorbic acid salts provides robust protection against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and moulds.
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Cost-Effective Natural Support: By utilizing nature-identical potassium sorbate, this blend offers a more accessible price point than 100% plant-derived organic acid blends while still supporting “green” marketing claims.
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Skin Conditioning: Beyond its role as a preservative, Sodium Levulinate acts as a mild humectant, contributing to a softer skin-feel in leave-on applications.
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Versatile Application Profile: It is a “workhorse” preservative suitable for a vast array of product types, including emulsions (O/W and W/O), surfactant-based cleansers, and aqueous gels.
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Synergistic Boosting: Performance can be further enhanced by pairing it with antimicrobial wetting agents like Cosphaderm® GMCY (Glyceryl Caprylate), which helps the organic acids penetrate microbial cell membranes more effectively.
Formulation Guidelines
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The “pH Activation” Window: As an organic acid-based system, its efficacy is strictly pH-dependent.
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Solubility & Processing: Supplied as a clear, yellow, water-soluble liquid. It is cold-processable and can be added to the water phase at any stage of manufacturing.
