PhytoCide Elderberry OS
ECOCERT/COSMOS
Approved
Whole Foods Compliant*


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, PhytoCide
Elderberry OS was developed as 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.

INCI
Nomenclature:
|
Sambucus nigra Fruit Extract
|
Suggested
Usage Rate:
|
1-5%
|
Solubility:
|
Insoluble in water
|
Appearance:
|
Clear to
Slightly Hazy,
White to Light Yellow Liquid
|
Suggested
Applications:
|
Skin Conditioning, Antimicrobial
|
Storage: Protected from direct light and
humidity at a temperature of 50°-77°F (10°-25°C)
Shelf life: 12 months, properly stored, in sealed container. This
product should be added to a formulation at the recommended usage rate
