Microcare DB 100 g – Broad-Spectrum Cosmetic Preservative

Preservative System for Creams, Lotions, Shampoos & Personal-Care Formulations

Microcare DB is a broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative system based on Benzyl Alcohol and Dehydroacetic Acid.

It is designed to help protect compatible cosmetic and personal-care formulations against microbial contamination and deterioration caused by bacteria, yeasts and molds.

Microcare DB is commonly used in:

• Facial creams
• Body lotions
• Moisturizers
• Shampoos
• Hair conditioners
• Shower gels
• Liquid hand cleansers
• Facial cleansing gels
• Cosmetic serums
• Hair styling gels
• Wet wipes
• Other suitable water-containing personal-care formulations

The preservative system is particularly useful in formulations designed with mildly acidic pH conditions.

What Is Microcare DB?

Microcare DB is a commercial cosmetic preservative blend that combines benzyl alcohol with dehydroacetic acid.

Trade Name: Microcare DB
INCI Name: Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Aqua
Ingredient Type: Broad-Spectrum Preservative Blend
Primary Function: Antimicrobial Preservation
Typical Form: Liquid

The two principal preservative components work together to provide protection against a range of microorganisms that can cause cosmetic product spoilage.

Main Functions of Microcare DB

Microcare DB is used to support:

• Protection against bacterial contamination
• Control of yeast and mold growth
• Microbiological product stability
• Preservation of suitable water-based formulations
• Development of preserved personal-care products
• Product quality during intended storage and consumer use

Its performance must be verified within the complete finished formulation.

Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Preservation

Cosmetic products containing water can support microbial growth if they are not properly preserved.

Potential contaminants include:

• Gram-positive bacteria
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Yeasts
• Molds

Microcare DB is designed to provide broad-spectrum preservative activity against these microorganism groups.

However, the effectiveness of any preservative depends on formulation conditions.

No preservative should be considered universally effective in every product without testing.

Benzyl Alcohol

Benzyl Alcohol is one of the principal components of Microcare DB.

INCI Name: Benzyl Alcohol
CAS Number: 100-51-6

It is used as a cosmetic preservative and also has solvent properties.

Within Microcare DB, Benzyl Alcohol contributes to antimicrobial preservation.

The concentration in the finished product must comply with applicable cosmetic regulations.

Dehydroacetic Acid

Dehydroacetic Acid is an organic acid used in cosmetic preservative systems.

INCI Name: Dehydroacetic Acid
CAS Number: 520-45-6

It contributes preservative activity, particularly in suitably formulated acidic systems.

Its effectiveness depends on factors including:

• Product pH
• Active concentration
• Formulation composition
• Microbial contamination challenge

Dehydroacetic Acid should not be confused with DHA, the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid.

Use in Facial Creams

Microcare DB can be incorporated into properly formulated facial creams to help protect the finished product against microbial contamination.

Possible applications include:

• Moisturizing creams
• Night creams
• Lightweight facial creams
• Skin-conditioning emulsions
• Specialty cosmetic creams

The preservative system must be compatible with the complete emulsion.

Use in Body Lotions

Body lotions commonly contain substantial amounts of water.

This makes appropriate microbiological preservation an important part of formulation development.

Microcare DB may be used in compatible body lotions to help control the growth of microorganisms during the product’s intended shelf life and use.

Use in Shampoos

Microcare DB may be incorporated into suitable shampoo formulations.

Possible applications include:

• Daily shampoos
• Sulfate-free shampoos
• Conditioning shampoos
• Mild shampoo systems
• Specialty hair-care cleansers

Its effectiveness depends on the surfactant system and final formulation pH.

Compatibility With Surfactants

Microcare DB may be used in selected surfactant-based formulations containing ingredients such as:

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Decyl Glucoside
• Coco Glucoside
• Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
• Other compatible cosmetic surfactants

However, compatibility is not automatic.

Surfactant composition, micelle formation and other formulation factors can influence preservative availability and effectiveness.

Every commercial formulation requires appropriate microbiological testing.

Use in Hair Conditioners

Microcare DB can also be evaluated in hair conditioners and conditioning emulsions.

These products may contain:

• Fatty alcohols
• Cationic conditioning agents
• Cosmetic silicones
• Botanical oils
• Hydrolyzed proteins
• Humectants

The preservative must remain effective and compatible with the finished formulation.

Use in Shower Gels

Shower gels and body washes are another potential application.

Microcare DB can support microbiological preservation in suitable water-containing cleansing systems.

The finished product should be evaluated for:

• Preservative effectiveness
• pH stability
• Appearance
• Viscosity
• Odor
• Packaging compatibility

Use in Liquid Hand Cleansers

Microcare DB may be used in mild liquid hand-cleansing formulations.

However, it is important to distinguish between:

Preserving the product itself

and

Providing antibacterial activity on the user’s skin.

Microcare DB is intended to preserve the cosmetic formulation.

Its presence does not automatically make a hand cleanser antibacterial, disinfecting or biocidal.

Use in Cosmetic Serums

Suitable water-based and emulsified serums may require preservation.

Microcare DB can be considered for compatible formulations containing:

• Glycerin
• Panthenol
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Niacinamide
• Botanical extracts
• Other cosmetic actives

Compatibility should be evaluated carefully because certain ingredients and pH conditions can influence preservative performance.

Use in Makeup Products

Microcare DB may be evaluated in suitable water-containing makeup formulations, including:

• Liquid foundations
• BB creams
• Cream makeup
• Tinted moisturizers
• Other cosmetic emulsions

The preservative system must be suitable for the intended application and meet the relevant market regulations.

Microcare DB in Soap Making

Microcare DB is primarily designed for suitable cosmetic and personal-care formulations.

Traditional cold process soap and modern liquid cleansing products should not be treated as identical systems.

Traditional Cold Process Soap

Conventional cold process soap is highly alkaline.

It generally does not have the same preservation requirements as a water-containing cosmetic cream or lotion.

Microcare DB is not normally an appropriate default preservative for traditional alkaline soap bars.

Its effectiveness at high pH should not be assumed.

Melt & Pour Soap

Commercial melt and pour soap bases are generally supplied as pre-formulated systems.

Adding a preservative is not automatically necessary or beneficial.

Any changes to a soap base should follow the manufacturer’s technical recommendations.

Liquid Cleansers

Microcare DB is more suitable for compatible, mildly acidic liquid cleansing systems than for conventional high-pH soap.

The final pH and preservative efficacy must be verified.

Recommended Usage Level

A commonly recommended formulation range for Microcare DB is:

0.2–1.0%

This range refers to the commercial preservative blend added to the total finished formulation.

The correct dosage depends on:

• Final product type
• Water content
• Formulation pH
• Other ingredients
• Packaging
• Microbial contamination risks
• Preservative challenge-test results

The maximum permitted concentration must also be calculated according to the active ingredients and applicable regulations.

Usage Example

For a hypothetical 1,000 g cosmetic batch:

0.5% Microcare DB = 5 g of preservative blend

This is a calculation example only.

It does not establish that 0.5% will provide adequate preservation for every formulation.

A microbiological challenge test is required to verify the effectiveness of the selected preservative system.

pH Compatibility

Microcare DB is designed for suitable acidic-to-neutral cosmetic formulations.

For many formulations, a mildly acidic environment is preferred.

A practical development target is often:

Below pH 6

The manufacturer also identifies possible use up to approximately pH 7, depending on formulation conditions.

Preservative performance can decrease as formulation conditions change.

Products near the upper working pH limit should receive particular attention during validation.

Why pH Is Important

Dehydroacetic Acid is an organic acid preservative.

Its antimicrobial behavior is affected by the relationship between pH and the available form of the acid.

For this reason, two formulations containing the same Microcare DB percentage may have different antimicrobial effectiveness.

Always measure finished-product pH with an appropriate calibrated pH meter.

How to Use Microcare DB

A general incorporation approach is:

1. Prepare the cosmetic formulation according to the validated manufacturing procedure.
2. Allow the mixture to reach the recommended preservative-addition temperature.
3. Accurately weigh the required amount of Microcare DB.
4. Add it gradually with suitable mixing.
5. Continue mixing until uniformly distributed.
6. Check the finished-product pH.
7. Adjust pH if required and compatible with the formulation.
8. Complete microbiological and stability testing before commercial release.

The exact addition procedure must follow the supplier TDS.

Processing Temperature

Microcare DB may be added during the cooling phase of cosmetic manufacturing.

Adding it at a moderate temperature can help reduce unnecessary loss of volatile components.

For many formulations, addition below approximately:

40–45°C

is a practical processing approach.

The exact allowable temperature and exposure time should follow the current technical specification for the supplied grade.

Solubility & Incorporation

Microcare DB is a liquid preservative blend designed for incorporation into suitable water-containing cosmetic systems.

The complete blend contains both an organic acid and benzyl alcohol.

Although it can be used in many aqueous cosmetic products, its behavior depends on the formulation.

Do not assume unlimited water solubility or compatibility with every surfactant, solvent or emulsion.

Microcare DB in Emulsions

Creams and lotions contain both water and oil phases.

Microcare DB can be incorporated into suitable emulsions, provided that:

• The preservative is uniformly distributed.
• The formulation is compatible.
• Finished-product pH is appropriate.
• Antimicrobial preservation is validated.

Physical emulsion stability and antimicrobial preservation must be evaluated separately.

Is Microcare DB a Natural Preservative?

Microcare DB may be suitable for selected natural or organic-standard cosmetic formulations, depending on certification requirements.

However, it should not automatically be described as:

• 100% Natural
• 100% Plant-Derived
• Organic Certified
• Preservative-Free

It is a functional cosmetic preservative blend.

Natural-origin and certification claims should be verified against current manufacturer documentation.

ECOCERT Compatibility

The manufacturer identifies Microcare DB as suitable for ECOCERT-compliant applications.

This can be useful in the development of products intended to meet selected natural-cosmetic standards.

However, use of an approved or compatible ingredient does not automatically make the final cosmetic product ECOCERT-certified.

Final-product certification requires assessment of the complete formula and manufacturing process.

Is Microcare DB Vegan?

Vegan status should be confirmed through the supplier’s current documentation.

The preservative’s chemical identity alone does not provide independent proof of vegan certification.

Avoid making a vegan-certified claim without supporting documents.

Does Microcare DB Extend Shelf Life?

Microcare DB helps protect suitable cosmetic formulations against microbial spoilage.

This can contribute to achieving the intended product shelf life.

However, microbial preservation is only one component of shelf-life stability.

Other possible causes of deterioration include:

• Oxidation
• Emulsion separation
• Fragrance changes
• Color changes
• Viscosity changes
• Packaging interactions
• Chemical degradation

Microcare DB does not automatically prevent these issues.

Is Microcare DB an Antioxidant?

No.

Microcare DB is primarily an antimicrobial preservative.

It should not be used as a direct substitute for antioxidants such as Tocopherol in applications where protection against oil oxidation is required.

Antioxidants and antimicrobial preservatives perform different functions.

Preservative Efficacy Testing

One of the most important steps in cosmetic preservation is the preservative efficacy test, commonly known as a challenge test.

A relevant testing standard is:

ISO 11930 – Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Protection of a Cosmetic Product

A challenge test evaluates how the finished product responds to a controlled microbial challenge.

This helps establish whether the chosen preservative system provides adequate protection.

Why Challenge Testing Matters

Preservative effectiveness can be influenced by:

• Surfactants
• Botanical extracts
• Proteins
• Humectants
• Packaging materials
• Emulsifiers
• pH
• Water activity
• Manufacturing hygiene

A preservative that performs well in one formula may not perform equally well in another.

Therefore, the recommended dosage range is not a guarantee of successful preservation.

EU Cosmetic Regulatory Considerations

Microcare DB contains Benzyl Alcohol and Dehydroacetic Acid.

Under the European Union Cosmetic Products Regulation, these preservatives are subject to ingredient-specific restrictions.

Benzyl Alcohol

Maximum concentration when used as a preservative:

1% in the finished cosmetic product

Dehydroacetic Acid

Maximum concentration:

0.6%, expressed as acid, in the finished cosmetic product

Dehydroacetic Acid must not be used in aerosol dispensers under the relevant EU restriction.

The concentration of each preservative component must be calculated based on the actual composition of the commercial blend.

Always verify the current regulations of the intended sales market.

Benzyl Alcohol & Ingredient Labeling

Benzyl Alcohol is also relevant to EU fragrance-allergen labeling rules.

Its presence and concentration should be assessed when preparing the finished product’s ingredient declaration.

Labeling requirements depend on the applicable regulations and intended market.

Microcare DB in Spray Products

Not every preservative is suitable for every spray product.

Because Microcare DB contains Dehydroacetic Acid, aerosol products require particular regulatory attention.

For the EU market, the restriction on Dehydroacetic Acid in aerosol dispensers must be respected.

Non-aerosol spray formulations still require an appropriate safety assessment, including relevant inhalation-exposure considerations.

Do not assume that all sprays are automatically permitted.

Product Details

Product Name: Microcare DB
Product Type: Cosmetic Preservative Blend
INCI Name: Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Aqua
Weight: 100 g
Typical Form: Liquid
Primary Function: Antimicrobial Preservation
Typical Usage Level: 0.2–1.0%
Preferred Working Conditions: Mildly acidic formulations; confirm pH limits from the supplier
Applications: Creams, Lotions, Shampoos, Shower Gels, Cleansers and Suitable Water-Containing Cosmetics

Benzyl Alcohol CAS: 100-51-6
Dehydroacetic Acid CAS: 520-45-6

Product Quality Documentation

For professional cosmetic manufacturing, verify:

• Full INCI composition
• Active ingredient concentrations
• Purity specifications
• Appearance
• Specific gravity
• Recommended usage levels
• Working pH
• Processing temperature
• Storage requirements
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
• Certificate of Analysis (COA)

For regulatory calculations, the precise percentage of each preservative component is particularly important.

Safety Information

Microcare DB is a concentrated cosmetic preservative raw material.

During handling:

• Avoid direct eye contact.
• Avoid prolonged direct skin contact.
• Wear suitable protective gloves.
• Use appropriate eye protection.
• Do not ingest.
• Avoid unnecessary inhalation of mist or vapors.
• Follow the supplier SDS.
• Keep away from children and pets.

Benzyl Alcohol-containing materials may cause irritation or sensitivity in some individuals.

The finished cosmetic product must be assessed for its intended use and target consumer.

Is Microcare DB Suitable for Sensitive Skin?

Microcare DB should not automatically be described as hypoallergenic or non-irritating.

Safety depends on:

• Concentration
• Product type
• Application area
• Exposure duration
• Other ingredients
• Individual sensitivity

Products intended for sensitive skin, infants or use near the eyes require appropriate dedicated safety evaluation.

Storage

Store Microcare DB:

• In tightly closed packaging
• In a cool, dry and well-ventilated location
• Away from direct sunlight
• Away from unnecessary heat
• Protected from contamination
• According to the supplier’s recommended storage conditions

Keep the container closed after dispensing.

Wholesale, Private Label & Contract Manufacturing

We supply Microcare DB, cosmetic preservatives, emulsifiers, surfactants, humectants, conditioning agents and other formulation raw materials in wholesale quantities for laboratories, cosmetic brands, manufacturers, retailers and professional formulators.

We also provide custom cosmetic formulation development services for creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, serums, cleansing products and other personal-care formulations.

Our formulation development services may include:

• Preservative selection
• Formulation compatibility assessment
• pH optimization
• Raw-material selection
• Manufacturing procedures
• Quality-control specifications
• Stability recommendations
• Technical documentation

Private label and contract manufacturing services are available for selected soaps, liquid cleansing products and other products within our manufacturing capabilities. Cosmetic formulation development projects can be evaluated separately from physical manufacturing.

For bulk Microcare DB orders, custom cosmetic formulation development, private label or contract manufacturing inquiries, please contact us with your required quantity, product concept, target pH, preservative requirements, packaging format, target market and estimated production volume.