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Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate- The Next Best Parabens Substitute?

Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate comes from natural amino acid glycine which is easily sourced from the living cells of many animals and plants all around the world. It is antibacterial and anti-mold in nature and has a good compatibility with most ingredients which is why it is one of the preferred ingredients in formulations to act as a natural preservative.

It has a wide pH range and prevents the formula against corrosion. The best thing about it is that it works amazingly at low concentrations so you don鈥檛 have to use too much of it in your formula. It is most commonly found in detergent formulations. However it cannot fight yeast. It works better at fighting bacteria and mold when used in a higher concentration so if you formula needs more protection, you should use it at 0.5% rather than at 0.1%. Since it does not fight yeast, it can be easily paired up with a preservative which does.

You can find it in the marker at 50% aqueous solution with a pH of 10-12. It is pretty stable on its own and is active in alkaline settings. It is super diverse, as it can be used in acidic formulations which go as low as pH 3.5. Because of its alkaline nature, it is also used as a neutralizer in acidic formulation without causing any loss of antimicrobial action.

It is most commonly used in skincare and cosmetic industry as a replacement for parabens in the formulation. However even at concentrations at less than 1%, it can cause irritations in the eye if the product goes inside or too close to them. Another drawback is that it has an odor of its own which is why it needs to be paired up with some sort of a fragrance which means it cannot be used in any fragrance free range. This reduces its diversity and compatibility with certain formulations. It does not make the best ingredient for use in baby skin care related products and even though no research has been conducted linking its safety with pregnant women, it is better to be safe than sorry.

It has multiple other uses as well. It is used in wipes, and even in some makeup removing formulations. Other than that it is used mostly in soaps and shampoos. After going through its pros and cons, it is best if it is contested whether organically sourced compounds are better. Truth is, some organic compounds may contain toxins which can irritate the skin. It might not be so harsh for hands or the body but the facial skin is delicate and people with sensitive skin need to look out for this ingredient as it may cause further sensitivity and reddening of the skin. Chemical compounds are structured to offer the best benefits with the least side effects so it is debatable which one are better for use in formulations.


Post time: Jun-10-2021