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Neolone® PH Max: How the power duo delivers innovative solutions for cosmetic preservation

Editor: Kerstin Stenger

April 2, 2026

Cosmetics are part of many people’s daily routines, and their shelf life is essential for both quality and safety. The challenge of reliably preserving products while also incorporating natural raw materials drives continuous innovation within the industry.

Young woman applying cream onto her skin, closeup

Why do cosmetic products need to be preserved?

Cosmetic products must be safe to use, and microbiological safety is a key aspect of this. If cosmetics are not adequately protected against contamination, bacteria, yeasts, and molds can spoil the products. For this reason, preservatives are used in cosmetic formulations. Although cosmetics are manufactured under carefully controlled conditions, allowing them to be marketed largely germ-free, microorganisms can enter the product after it is opened and then multiply. Products with a high water content are particularly susceptible to microbial growth.

Neolone^® PH Max is a prime example of modern preservation solutions, inspired by the benefits of the sunflower and built on a precise connection with current scientific insights.
Sunflowers are not only symbols of naturalness - they also provide valuable inspiration for innovative cosmetic solutions. With our new preservative blend, Neolone PH Max, our researchers followed exactly this approach. Pelargonic acid can be obtained from sunflower oil. This natural starting material was combined with the proven efficacy of phenoxyethanol to create Neolone^® PH Max.

What is Neolone PH Max?

Neolone PH Max is a modern preservative blend for cosmetic products. At its core is a combination of pelargonic acid derived from sunflower oil and phenoxyethanol. The key advantage: pelargonic acid allows the amount of the “classic” preservative phenoxyethanol to be reduced. Our combination provides stable protection against microbiological contamination and ensures the shelf life of a wide range of cosmetic products.

Easy integration for modern formulations

As a liquid preservative, Neolone PH Max can be directly incorporated into existing formulations, enabling quick and efficient product adjustments and improvements. With pH stability ranging from pH 3 to 10, it offers extensive flexibility for formulating all types of personal care products, such as nourishing creams and lotions or cleansing shampoos.

Innovation pipeline for new preservative technologies

Did you know that developing innovative preservatives is particularly challenging? Before a product like Neolone PH Max is created, it undergoes several testing stages. For the development of Neolone PH Max, more than 300 multifunctionals* from roughly 40 chemical groups were screened. Using computer-aided modeling, the most promising molecules are selected and subsequently tested in the lab for efficacy. Only the best compounds make it through to a new formulation.

*Multifunctionals are ingredients that fulfill several functions at once. This means a single ingredient can perform multiple roles rather than having only one specific effect. A multifunctional ingredient can, for example, act as a moisturizer, antioxidant, chelating agent, and antimicrobial substance.

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Already in use in Europe, with new markets in Asia planned

After its successful launch in Europe and the United States, the Asian market is now in focus. Neolone PH Max was recently presented at the in-cosmetics Asia trade fair and has attracted considerable interest from customers in the region. By expanding into Asia, another important market for sustainable, nature-inspired preservation solutions is being opened.

Detailed information on Neolone® PH Max

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