PhytoCide Lichen

INCI: 2,3-Butanediol & Cladonia Rangiferina Extract

Use Levels: 1.0% - 2.0%

Solubility: Water Soluble

Appearance: Clear to Slightly Hazy, Light Yellow to Amber Liquid

pH (direct): 6.0 – 8.0

BACKGROUND

Innovations in naturally derived antimicrobials have continued to advance as consumers push for alternatives to synthetic preservatives. The use of natural alternatives to prevent microbial growth is not as simple as an ingredient substitution. Natural preservation requires special attention to formula details such as optimal pH, temperature, and charge. Current alternatives offer effective microbial protection under mild conditions of pH and temperature. Limited natural options are available for anionic systems. Lichens are a complex life form that is a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga. In symbiosis, we explore the antimicrobial ability of a lichen extract on anionic formulations for the cosmetic and personal care market.

SCIENCE

Cladonia Rangiferina, also called and known as "reindeer lichen”, is a fruticose that grows in the boreal forests. The name is coming from the fact that it serves as pasture for reindeer, moose, caribou, and musk oxen. Covering large areas, this lichen is able to grow in both hot and cold environments. Lichens are able to create more than one thousand of secondary metabolites, usnic acid being one of the most abundant. Lichen secondary metabolites can be a source of energy for soil microorganisms and at the same time, they can inhibit growth of surrounding competitive lichens, mosses and vascular plants. In most lichen species, those compounds are found in the medulla and may also give some antibiotics and antioxidants roperties. Cladonia rangiferina has been used for decades for medical purposes since ancient times, treating colds, arthritis, fever for example. Many countries have developed commercial pharmacological products based on lichen substances. For instance, usnic acid was used in antiseptic products in Germany.

BENEFITS

By using our unique fermentation technique, Active Micro Technologies was able to create Phytocide Lichen, from Cladonia Rangiferina, a unique active, rich in usnic acid, providing a broad-spectrum protection for cosmetic application with good compatibility in anionic systems. This active will also help protect your skin with antioxidant properties.

USE RECOMMENDATIONS

PhytoCide Lichen is non-ionic and water soluble and may therefore be added to aqueous systems, as well as the aqueous phase of emulsions. When using PhytoCide Lichen it is recommended to maintain the formulation pH between 3 and 8. We also suggest incorporating the product at temperatures of 25°C or below. When handling this product please prevent exposure to temperatures above 25°C and prolonged exposure to UV. Exposure to temperatures above 25°C and direct UV may cause darkening.

Storage: Protected from direct light and humidity at a temperature not exceeding 32°C.

Shelf life: 12 months, properly stored, in sealed container. Based on stability studies, the optimum storage temperature for maximization of shelf life is 23 - 25°C.

**This product should be added to a formulation at the recommended usage rate**