Emerald Kalama Chemical has introduced a multifunctional ingredient for cosmetic applications that acts as a texture enhancer, stabiliser and processing aid.
Kalama 3-Phenyl Propanol (Kalama 3PP) also extends the antimicrobial efficacy of sodium benzoate, enabling the use of the green, skin-friendly preservative in formulations up to pH 7.
“Multifunctionals are a growing ingredient category for cosmetics because they help meet consumer demand for clean labels,” Paul Wanrooij, Business Development Director for Emerald’s Consumer Specialties business, confirmed.
“By achieving multiple functions with a single ingredient, manufacturers can reduce the number of ingredients in a product, simplifying the label and overcoming complex formulation challenges at the same time.
“Kalama 3PP enhances stability, solubilisation, sensory experience, make-up removal and emoliency in personal care products.”
In addition to its primary functions, Kalama 3PP enhances the preservative power of sodium benzoate, which has become a preferred antimicrobial thanks to its eco-friendly and gentle profile, and efficacy against a broad range of bacteria, yeasts and moulds.
Wanrooij added: “In many cases, sodium benzoate provides sufficient preservation on its own, but some products can be challenging to preserve due to their overall formulation. Ingredient selection, pH and water activity are important factors that impact microbial activity.
“Our applications scientists determined that our personal care ingredient, Kalama 3PP, significantly boosts the antimicrobial efficacy of our sodium benzoate products.
“When used together, these ingredients help to ensure that hard-to-preserve products are sufficiently shielded against microbial contamination.”
The new ingredient is FCC grade, nature-identical and produced to ISO 9001:2015 and FSSC 2200 standards.
