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
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
Request Spectrastat™ MHG Natural MB Complimentary Items
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