NaturDerm™ is committed to produce the purest, most effective products possible. We are committed to addressing concerns for the safest, most effective product preservation. All NaturDerm™ are preserved with low levels of Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (IPBC). IPBC is the preservative of choice for most natural products. A highly effective broad spectum preservative, IPBC passes full microbiological testing. As with all preservatives, at higher amounts (levels higher than 2% of the formulation) irritation can result. NaturDerm™ uses the lowest possible amount of IPBC, less than 0.5% of the formulation. By using a broad spectrum preservative in low amounts, it is not necessary to add other preservatives; this allows for a purer product.

Information on IPBC

The USA based National Institutes of Health, http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov toxicology website through the National Library of Medicine, provides valuable information on IPBC. To summarize, IPBC is a broad spectrum, fungicide preservative with a long history of use. IPBC is a favourite with environmental architects who find the short half-life and non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-volatile properties of IPBC to benefit green living and working environments.

As with all preservatives, skin irritations, and allergic reactions can occur. When reviewing many of the medical articles on contact dermatitis and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, it is interesting to note the base compounds used in the studies include petrolatum and known irritants. NaturDerm™ products use an organic, acid-based, non-solvent preparation of Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.

Differentiating Carbamates

The Carbamates in IPBC are fungicides, and DO NOT affect the body in the same manner as Carbamate herbicides and insecticides.

What risks exist for preservative-free, or inadequate preserved products? Dangerous ones. Let’s look at some of the contamination issues, organisms commonly seen and the physical results. Brian Perry, PhD in his article entitled, “Cosmetic Microbiology” published in Microbiology Today, Vol. 28/Nov 2001 states, “Organisms commonly isolated from poorly preserved water-based products include Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Staphylococcus and Bacillus species, Pseudomonas, including P. aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia, Penicillium and Candida albicans.

Unwanted Preservatives

Phenoxyethanol is associated with high irritation/allergic reactions

Hydroxymethylglycinates, which often react to essential oils and have a tendency to break down into formaldehyde, also make products waxy.

Behentrimonium Methylsulfate is an ammonia based preservative and irritant.

TEA and DEA (Tri and Diethanolamines) are known mutagenic compounds.

Many other preservatives also act as a neutralizer, which negates the effects of acid-based anti-aging ingredients.

Methyl and Propyl Parabens are linked to estrogenic activity.