Efficiency of Nisin as Preservative in Cosmetics and Topical Products

Elisabete Maurício,Maria Duarte,Joana Verissimo,Laura Vasconcelos,Catarina Rosado,Sara Bom

doi:10.3390/cosmetics4040041

Elisabete Maurício, Maria Duarte + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics4040041

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Journal: Cosmetics	Publication Date: Oct 18, 2017
Citations: 20	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Universidade Lusófona, Universidade Nova de Lisboa

Abstract

Nisin is a bacteriocin synthesized by certain species of Lactococcus lactis, that has been recently employed as a preservative in the food industry. Taking into account its potential as a natural preservative, its applicability in cosmetics and topical products was probed, aiming to replace or reduce the use of synthetic preservatives currently used in these products. In vitro susceptibility tests were performed using the plate diffusion method and the “Challenge Test”. The action of nisin was tested when applied alone and in synergy with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt (EDTA) and similar synthetic preservatives, Abiol® (INCI-Imidazolidinyl urea) and Microcare PM2 (Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben). The results of this study demonstrate that nisin is effective in inhibiting gram-positive microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus sp. However, for other tested microorganisms, only the combination of nisin, EDTA and synthetic preservatives, respectively at 125 ppm/0.1/0.35%, showed antimicrobial activity in compliance with criterion A from ISO 11930. With this study, it is concluded that nisin can be a viable alternative when associated with other preservatives, reducing the use of higher doses of chemical/synthetic preservatives that are often associated with sensitivity and allergic reactions.

Highlights

IntroductionOne of the challenges of the cosmetic industry is the application of natural preservatives in its products, in order to avoid possible allergic reactions and sensitivity phenomena that are often associated with the use of chemical preservatives [1,2]
In recent years, one of the challenges of the cosmetic industry is the application of natural preservatives in its products, in order to avoid possible allergic reactions and sensitivity phenomena that are often associated with the use of chemical preservatives [1,2].A preservative is a synthetic/chemical or natural ingredient with antimicrobial properties that is added to cosmetics and personal care products to maintain microbiological quality
A preliminary efficacy assessment was made using the disk diffusion method. In this assay the disks were impregnated with different concentrations of nisin or with nisin and several preservatives combinations, in order to assess the best concentrations and its efficacy as preservative in a cosmetic or topic formulation

Summary

Introduction

One of the challenges of the cosmetic industry is the application of natural preservatives in its products, in order to avoid possible allergic reactions and sensitivity phenomena that are often associated with the use of chemical preservatives [1,2]. A preservative is a synthetic/chemical or natural ingredient with antimicrobial properties that is added to cosmetics and personal care products to maintain microbiological quality. Preservatives are used to increase the shelf life of these formulations, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. They prevent the deterioration caused by bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative), moulds and yeasts that can cause disease or disrupt the smooth appearance of the final product. The “ideal” preservative for use in cosmetics should be soluble in water and stable at any temperature and pH conditions that are used in the manufacturing process

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