PhytoCide Elderberry OS, an efficacious, multi-functional natural alternative to the
traditional preservatives used in cosmetic and personal care applications.
This
product is oil-soluble and can be used in a variety of anhydrous and
oil-containing formulations
ECOCERT/COSMOS Approved
Click Here to View Antimicrobial Formulating Guidelines
The super fruit trend is one of the largest growing segments in
the cosmetics industry. These fruits are recognized not only for their
health benefits, but also for their unique marketing appeal. Elderberry
certainly fits the description of a super fruit. Several species
of Sambucus produce this type of berry. Two common
varieties of Sambucus are the American elder (S.
Canadensis) and the European elder (S. nigra),
which has also been naturalized to the Americas. These two are often discussed
simultaneously in the literature given that they have several components in
common and therefore provide similar cosmetic benefits.
Elderberries have traditionally been used for making wine,
syrup, and confectionaries. The flowers and berries of these plants have been
used most often for medicinal purposes. Elderberries are rich in a variety of
phytonutrients that exhibit both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,
such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and quercetin. The fruit
also contains anthocyanins, which have been shown to help boost the immune
system.
Antioxidants, like those found in elderberries, are excellent
additions to skin care regimens as they provide protection from free radicals
that contribute to cell damage, aging, and wrinkle formation. Bioflavonoids,
which can also be found in elderberries, exhibit astringent properties that
help tighten the skin and provide additional anti-wrinkle benefits. This unique
super fruit is also an excellent source of undecylenic acid, an organic fatty
acid that provides broad antimicrobial benefits, but is especially effective
against fungal microorganisms.
To capture both the
cosmetic and the antimicrobial benefits of elderberry, Active Micro Technologies developed PhytoCide Elderberry OS, an efficacious, multi-functional natural alternative to the
traditional preservatives used in cosmetic and personal care applications. This
product is oil-soluble and can be used in a variety of anhydrous and
oil-containing formulations. The effectiveness of PhytoCide Elderberry OS was evaluated to determine Minimum Inhibitory
Concentrations (MIC), as well as its performance in challenge testing.
A modified Minimum
Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test was performed to evaluate the antimicrobial
benefits of PhytoCide
Elderberry OS. The
results demonstrate that concentrations between 1% and 5%, which are the
suggested use levels for this product, are capable of inhibiting the growth of
the test organisms.
A Double Challenge test against Gram(+) and Gram(-) bacteria, as
well as yeast and mold was completed to further elucidate the broad
antimicrobial efficacy of PhytoCide Elderberry OS.
PhytoCide Elderberry OS is
temperature stable up to 75°C and its antimicrobial properties are most
effective between a pH of 3 and 8. The suggested use levels are between 1% and
5%.
This unique,
multi-functional ingredient delivers antioxidant and anti-aging skin
conditioning benefits, while providing natural antimicrobial efficacy for
cosmetic formulations
We always recommend that every formula undergo stability and microbial testing to ensure adequate preservation
love me some elderberry 
