Geogard® ECT is a patented combination of benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, glycerin, and sorbic acid, providing broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, yeast, and molds at wide pH ranges. This antimicrobial blend offers low cost of use and has a wide range of global regulatory acceptance for personal care products.

INCI Name: Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Sorbic Acid

Functions: Anti-Microbial Agent, Bacteriostatic Agent, Fungistatic Agent, Preservative

Ingredient Origin: Synthetic

Benefit Claims: Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Antimicrobial, Broad pH Stability, Chemical Stability, Compatibility, Cost Effective, Easy Application, Low Odor, Preservation, Versatility

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

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

Technical Data Sheet

Knowde Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Carrier
Ingredient Origin
Compositional Breakdown

Lonza Geogard ECT Compositional Breakdown

Features & Benefits

Key Attributes
  • A preservation system that meets the ECOCERT standards
  • COSMOS accepted
  • Broad spectrum activity on bacteria, yeast and molds
  • Vegan & Non-GMO compliant
  • Has a wide range of global regulatory acceptance* †

* In Europe, there are restrictions in using Salicylic Acid in products for children under the age of 3.
† In Japan, Benzyl Alcohol is not an approved cosmetic preservative, however it can be used as
a cosmetic ingredient.

  • Low odor profile; Ideal for fragrance-free and fragrance-sensitive systems
  • Compatible in a wide range of skin care, hair care and sun care systems
  • Wide pH compatibility: pH 3–8
  • Excellent safety profile
  • Broad spectrum activity on bacteria, yeast and molds

Applications & Uses

Hair Care Applications
Skin Care Applications
Wipes, Tissue & Towel Applications
Use Level
0.6-1.0%
Application pH Range
3–8
Applications
  • Anhydrous
  • Body Butter
  • Body wash
  • Conditioner
  • Cream
  • Deo/ Anti-Perspirant
  • Eye creams/gels
  • Eye shadow
  • Face Lotion
  • Face wipes
  • Facial Cream
  • Foundation
  • Feminine hygiene
  • Hair gel
  • Hand soap (non anti-bac)
  • Lipstick/gloss
  • Lotion
  • Make up remover
  • Mascara
  • Oil in Water
  • Oral care
  • Powder
  • Shampoo
  • Suncare
  • Toner
  • Water in Oil
Make-Up Remover

Make-Up Remover Formulation

pH: 5.15
% water: 90%; AW: 0.980

Lonza Geogard ECT Make-Up Remover - 1

Make-Up Remover​ Test Results

Colony Forming Units per Gram (CFU/g)

Lonza Geogard ECT Make-Up Remover - 2

Hair Conditioner

Hair Conditioner Formulation

pH: 3.9
% water: 73.7%; AW: 0.976

Lonza Geogard ECT Hair Conditioner - 1

Hair Conditioner Test Results

Colony Forming Units per Gram (CFU/g)

Lonza Geogard ECT Hair Conditioner - 2

Make-Up Remover

Make-Up Remover Formulation

pH: 8.1
% water: 44%; AW: 0.965

Lonza Geogard ECT Make-Up Remover - 1

Make-Up Remover Test Results

Colony Forming Units per Gram (CFU/g)

Lonza Geogard ECT Make-Up Remover - 2

Formulation Recommendations
  • Versatile, clear liquid
  • Can be easily added directly to most any system 
  • Compatible with most ingredients used in personal care
  • For emulsified systems
  • Can be easily integrated post-emulsification at temperatures
    below 45°C
  • Limited pH restrictions

Properties

Physical Form
Odor
Slight Characteristic
Soluble in
Water

Regulatory & Compliance

Global Regulatory

Europe

  • All ingredients approved (Annex V to Regulation EC/1223/2009
    formerly Annex VI to Council Directive 76/768/EEC)
  • Max concentration of 1% Benzyl Alcohol, 0.5% Salicylic
    Acid and 0.6% Sorbic Acid

Japan

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

United States

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

General

  • Cannot be used in products for children under 3 except
    for shampoo

Technical Details & Test Data

Efficacy

Microbiological Challenge Studies Studies were run on five formulas using a 1.0% concentration of Geogard® ECT. The protocol used was a CTFA challenge test. All samples were inoculated at the beginning of the study, sampled at 24 hours, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The samples were diluted in neutralizer and plated quantitatively for viable organisms at all sampling times. After 28 days, all samples were re-inoculated and subjected to a second challenge.

Water in Oil Emulsion Cream

Water in Oil Emulsion Cream Formulation

pH: n/a
% water: 75%; AW: 0.963

Lonza Geogard ECT Water in Oil Emulsion Cream - 1

Water in Oil Emulsion Cream Test Result

Colony Forming Units per Gram (CFU/g)

Lonza Geogard ECT Water in Oil Emulsion Cream - 2

Lotion

Lotion Formulation

pH: 7.85
% water: 89%; AW: 0.976

Lonza Geogard ECT Lotion - 1

Lotion Test Results

Colony Forming Units per Gram (CFU/g)

Lonza Geogard ECT Lotion - 2

Packaging & Availability

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