In today’s market, companies are seeking alternatives to traditional preservatives. NeoDefend™ is a preservative designed to meet those needs. Instead of a harsh, aggressive approach with bacteria and fungi, NeoDefend™ helps prevent product spoilage by utilizing less aggressive “Hurdle Technology” to create a more hostile environment within the formulation for microbes to overcome. NeoDefend’s potentiators help create such hurdles, helping to increase the self-preservation of formulations.
Derived from ingredients granted GRAS status (Generally Regarded As Safe), NeoDefend’s ingredients are accepted by ECOCERT as preservatives in certified organic cosmetics. Consisting of a blend of gluconolactone, sodium benzoate and calcium gluconate, it offers broad spectrum protection in cosmetic and personal care formulations.A gluten-free fermented starch derived from non genetically-modified corn via a fermentation process with non genetically-modified microorganisms, gluconolactone finds use in the cosmetic industry as a moisturizer, antioxidant and chelant. Considered a next generation AHA, Gluconolactone is a Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that is found in its final state in bee’s honey. It is generally considered suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is non-irritating and antioxidant. Given their ability to condition and hydrate skin, Gluconolactone-containing formulations may even smooth skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.Sodium benzoate is a preservative with bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties under acidic conditions (pH should be 6 or below). Calcium gluconate is added at a very low level as an inert flow agent.
There is some concern that Sodium Benzoate, one of the ingredients in NeoDefend™, in combination with L-Ascorbic Acid in products can form Benzene, a known human carcinogen. The presence of ascorbic acid and benzoates alone does not lead to the formation of benzene. Certain additional conditions are required for trace levels of benzene to form, including heat, ultraviolet light and metallic ions in the mixture. However, because of the potential to form benzene, we recommend that NeoDefend not be used combination with L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). Citric Acid is not thought to induce significant benzene production in combination with Benzoic Acid, but some evidence suggests that in the presence of ascorbic acid and benzoic acid, citric acid may accelerate the production of benzene.Therefore, the use of NeoDefend™ and L-Ascorbic Acid and Citric Acid in the same cosmetic formulations should be avoided.
INCI: Gluconolactone (and) Sodium Benzoate
California Prop 65 Statement: The following statement is made in order to comply with the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. This product is not known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
NeoDefend™ Specification Sheet
NeoDefend™ SDS