Preservative-free formulas with ferment-derived antimicrobial peptides

Minimalist and 'free-from' claims continue to grow, but every water-based product still needs robust protection. Ferment-derived antimicrobial peptides offer a natural route to formula protection while adding skin-conditioning benefits.

How lactobacillus ferments protect a formula

Lactic acid bacteria acidify their environment, which restricts the growth of competing microorganisms, and they produce antimicrobial peptides known as bacteriocins. Purified ferment filtrates retain these properties in a cosmetic-grade ingredient.

Our natural preservation range

• Cytoguard® SFC — Lactobacillus ferment with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and strong conditioning benefits.
• Cytoguard® PF1 — Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, derived from the bacteria used in kimchi fermentation.
• Arboris® WSB — Lactobacillus stress-fermented with wasabi root, yielding gentle antimicrobial peptides suited to sensitive skin.

Formulation guidance

• Always confirm the final formula with a preservative efficacy (challenge) test.
• Ferment preservatives are often combined with each other or with chelators and suitable pH ranges for best coverage.
• Minimum inhibitory concentration data for common test organisms are listed on the specifications of Cytoguard® SFC and Arboris® WSB — ask for the current versions.