Geogard® 221 preservative is a synergistic blend of two active ingredients, dehydroacetic acid (DHA) and benzyl alcohol. Recognized by major cosmetic, toiletry, and fragrance regulatory authorities worldwide, Geogard® 221 offers broad-spectrum activity. It is light in color, essentially odorless, and easy to formulate in a diverse range of products.

INCI Name: Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid

Functions: Bacteriostatic Agent, Fungistatic Agent, Preservative

Ingredient Origin: Synthetic

Benefit Claims: Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Broad pH Stability, Chemical Stability, Compatibility, Cost Effective, Preservation

Labeling Claims: Clean at Sephora, Credo Clean Standard, Cruelty-Free, Environmentally Friendly, Natural, Non-GMO, Not Tested on Animals, Odor-free, Organic, Sustainable

Certifications & Compliance: COSMOS, Cruelty-Free, ECOCERT, EU Compliant, EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009 Compliant, IECIC (China), ISO 16128, Soil Association Approved

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Identification & Functionality

Carrier
Ingredient Origin
Compositional Breakdown

Lonza Geogard 221 Compositional Breakdown

Features & Benefits

Key Attributes
  • Has a wide range of global regulatory approval
  • Easy-to-use and compatible with most types of cosmetic formulations
  • Wide effective pH range
  • Compatible with key raw materials
  • Chemically and physically stable
  • Meet ECOCERT and COSMOS requirements
  • Non-GMO compliant
  • Soil Association approved
  • Not tested on animals
  • Safe handling
Description

Geogard® 221 preservative is based on dehydroacetic acid (DHA) and benzyl alcohol, and therefore is recognized by major cosmetic, toiletry and fragrance regulatory authorities worldwide for use in cosmetic and personal care products. Geogard®221 is light in color, essentially odorless and compatible in a diverse range of product formulations.

Applications & Uses

Skin Care Applications
Wipes, Tissue & Towel Applications
Use Level
0.2-1.1%
Application pH Range
2–7
Applications
  • Anhydrous
  • Baby care
  • Baby wipes
  • Body Butter
  • Body wash
  • Conditioner
  • Cream
  • Deo/ Anti-Perspirant
  • Eye creams/gels
  • Eye shadow
  • Face Lotion
  • Face wipes
  • Facial Cream
  • Foundation
  • Hair gel
  • Hand soap
  • Lipstick/gloss
  • Lotion
  • Make up remover
  • Mascara
  • Oil in Water
  • Powder
  • Shampoo
  • Suncare
  • Toner
  • Water in Oil
Formulation Recommendations
  • Use between pH 2–7
  • Efficacy can be compromised above a pH of 7
  • Can be added at both room and elevated temperatures
  • Enhanced compatibility allows for the addition of Geogard®221
  • virtually anywhere in the manufacturing process
  • Anionics may cause discoloration – carbomers and certain surfactants
  • Highly soluble in polar organic solvents

Properties

Physical Form
Odor
Mild
Appearance
Clear liquid
Soluble in
Oil

Regulatory & Compliance

Global Regulatory

Europe

  • Max use level for DHA is 0.6% DHA – rinse-off & leave-on
  • Max use level for Benzyl Alcohol is 1% – rinse-off & leave-on

Japan

  • Benzyl alcohol is not permitted for use as a preservative in final
    cosmetic products placed on the Japanese market

US

  • All ingredients allowed (CIR/PCPC)
  • Refer to present practices of use and concentration

General

  • ECOCERT & COSMOS accepted, Soil Association approved

Technical Details & Test Data

Efficacy

Microbiological Challenge Studies Studies were run using different concentrations of Geogard® 221 in various formulations to see efficacy against various bacteria, yeast and fungi. All samples were inoculated at the beginning of the study, sampled at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days.

Non Ionic Cream

 

Ingredient % wt/wt
Sterile DI Water 75%
Myristyl propionate 8%
Glyceryl stearate 6%
Glycerin 5%
PEG-20 glyceryl stearate 4%
Cetearyl alcohol 1.5%
Sodium hydroxide <1%
Total 100%
Non Ionic Cream Test Results

Lonza Geogard 221 Non Ionic Cream Test Results

Shampoo

 

Ingredient % wt/wt
Sterile DI Water 36%
Sodium lauryl ether sulfate 35%
Triethanolamine lauryl sulfate 25%
Cocomide DEA 3%
Hydrolyzed collagen 1%
Citric acid <1%
Total 100%
Shampoo Test Results

Lonza Geogard 221 Shampoo Test Results

GMS Cream (pH 6)

Lonza Geogard 221 GMS Cream (pH 6)

GMS Cream Test Results

Lonza Geogard 221 GMS Cream Test Results

Cationic Cream (pH 4.5)

Lonza Geogard 221 Cationic Cream (pH 4.5)

Cationic Cream Test Results

Lonza Geogard 221 Cationic Cream Test Results

Packaging & Availability

Country Availability
Regional Availability
  • Africa
  • China
  • Europe
  • India
  • Japan
  • Latin America
  • Middle East
  • North America
  • Oceania
  • South East Asia