Spectrastat™ MHG Natural MB

Caprylhydroxamic Acid (and) Methylheptylglycerin (and) Glycerin

Multi-Benefit Plant-Based Preservation

Spectrastat™ MHG Natural MB is a multi-benefit system that is NATRUE approved and contains 100% certified biobased content. As a preservation system, it provides complete broad spectrum protection against bacteria, yeast, and mold. It also controls odor and provides anti-soaping benefits all while preserving the skin’s microbiome.

  • Broad pH range
  • Cold processable
  • Effective in emulsions, surfactant-based systems, and wipes
  • Preserves skin’s microbiome
  • Anti-soaping effects
  • Odor control benefits
  • Broad spectrum performance
  • Free of parabens, formaldehyde donors, MIT, phenoxyethanol, and other traditional preservatives

Micro summary:

  • Controls bacteria (gram +/-), yeast, and mold
  • Pass results with industry standard tests: EP-A, USP51, and PCPC
  • Pass results with recommended use level at pH 4-8: 0.5 – 2.0% (w/w)

Standards & Certifications

100% Natural
100% USDA certified biobased content
Natural Origin Index: 1.0
Readily Biodegradable
NATRUE Approved
NSF/ANSI 305 Approved
Clean Beauty Preferred
Halal Certified
Vegan & Cruelty-free
Kosher Compliant
RSPO Mass Balance Certified
View Standards & Certifications

Additional Information

How to Use

Recommended Use Level for Preservation:

  • O/W Emulsion: 1.0 - 1.5%
  • O/W Sunscreens: 1.0 - 1.5%
  • Cleansers: 1.5 - 2.0%
  • Wipe Juices: 0.5 - 1.5%

Recommended Use Level for Anti-Soaping Emulsion:

  • 2.0 - 2.75%

Use Instruction:

  • For use in cold or hot process
  • Mix well before using
  • Add to water phase (below 80°C) or during cool down phase (~40°C)
  • For clear formulations, solubilize using LexSolv™ Essential

Please request an Alternative Preservation Formulators Guide for more information.

Sustainable Design

Sustainability is embedded in INOLEX's design philosophy. Spectrastat™ MHG Natural MB design was guided by the Principles of Green Chemistry and life cycle thinking.

Green Chemistry & Sustainable Life Cycle Highlights:

  • renewable feedstocks
  • readily biodegradable
  • safe catalysts used
  • no solvents used
  • non-aqueous product
  • benign starting materials makes for safer chemical synthesis
  • contributes to a safely preserved formula for consumer use

Primary Feedstocks

  • Palm
  • Castor
  • Coconut

For more information about the origin and processing of this ingredient, please request a Technical & Regulatory Dossier.

Science Behind

This alternative preservation system employs the Hurdle Technology approach, utilizing a combination of multifunctional ingredients to create a hostile environment for microbial growth.

Spectrastat™ MHG Natural MB includes the following multifunctional components to create a complete broad spectrum preservation system:

  • Caprylhydroxamic Acid: A 100% natural organic acid and chelating agent that prevents the growth of yeast and mold in formulation. Unlike most organic acids used in preservation, caprylhydroxamic acid remains undissociated at neutral pH.
  • Methylheptylglycerin: Anti-soaping agent and skin conditioning agent that prevents the growth of bacteria in formulation
  • Glycerin: A 100% natural humectant that acts as a carrier for ease of formulation. Glycerin also reduces water activity for preservation effects.

Methylheptylglycerin Mechanism of Action

Preservation Mechanism of Action
Medium-chain amphiphilic compound that interacts with cell membranes (lipid bilayers) enhancing cell permeability.

Deodorant Odor Control Mechanism of Action
Interacts with gram+ bacteria, e.g. Staphylococcus hominis, the gram+ bacteria in the underarm area that is responsible for excreting the malodor-causing thioalcohol

Anti-Soaping Emulsions Mechanism of Action
Amphiphilic methyl-branched C8 carbon chain has higher dynamic surface activity than long chain emulsifiers and reduces emulsifier adsorption at the air-water interface

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