EPSAN® PLUS

Natural, broad spectrum and water soluble preservative system

INCI name

Aqua, p-Anisic Acid, Polyglycerin-10, Polylysine, Coco-Glucoside

EPSAN® PLUS is a new preservative system made of natural ingredients that has an antimicrobical effect against yeast, fungi, gram-positive and negative bacteria, making it suitable for versatile applications in the nutraceutical and cosmetic industry.

COMPONENTS

Polylysine

Polylysine is a natural homo-polymer created from L-lysine. It typically has a polymerization degree ranging between 25 and 35 and possesses a molecular weight around 5000. This compound is produced through bacterial fermentation. A notable function of Polylysine in cosmetic applications is its ability to inhibit the bonding of NF-kB with DNA.

p-Anisic Acid

p-Anisic acid, which is alternatively known as 4-methoxybenzoic acid or draconic acid, represents one of the isomers of anisic acid. It is a natural constituent found in anise. This compound is recognized for its antiseptic or germicidal properties, making it a valuable ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

HOW IT WORKS

EPSAN® PLUS attaches to the cell membrane of the microbe, it damages the membrane structure causing the material, energy and information transmission of the cell to stop. This will eventually leads to the intracellular lysosomal membrane rupture, induce the micro-organisms to autolysis and the breakage of the Intracellular lysosomal membrane causes the death of the bacterial cell.

EPSAN® PLUS has high thermal stability. The test of antibacterial activity to Escherichia coli shows very little difference in conditions of 80°C for 60 min, 100°C for 40 min and 120°C for 40 min, as it can hardly be decomposed and inactivated under high temperature.

This allows EPSAN® PLUS can be treated with the raw material for sterilization and preventing secondary contaminations.

Some research shows the combination of Polylysine with acidic polysaccharides, hydrochloric acid salts, phosphate type or copper ions, may causes it’s lower activity. The presence of anisic acid solves this problem. With hydrochloric acid, citric acid, malic acid, glycine and senior fatty glyceride, the combination Polylysine + p-Anisic Acid becomes more effective.

Table showing the efficacy of the Epsan Plus natural preservative system against various microorganisms (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, C. albicans, A. brasiliensis) over time intervals T7, T14, and T28, indicating log reduction in microbial count.

Test Material

Cream with EPSAN® PLUS 1.0%

Results

REDUCTION OF THE BACTERIAL LOAD

GRAM +

Staphylococcus aureus: reduction in 7 days

GRAM –

Escherichia coli: reduction in 7 days

Pseudomonas aeruginosa: reduction in 7 days

INCOMPATIBILITIES

The Polylysine binds to polysaccharides (murein or bacterial mucopeptide) present in the cell walls of bacteria and denatures them.

Since polysaccharides of bacterial origin are present also in compounds obtained through fermentation (e.g. Xanthan gum) the same phenomenon of denaturation occurs also in this case.

It is therefore advisable to not use substances obtained through a fermentation process in formulas containing EPSAN® PLUS as preservative system.

A good replacement to Xantan gum as thickener are Tara gum (Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum) and Guar gum.

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100% plant-derived and palm-free
Claims “preservative-free” as its components are not classified as preservatives
p-Anisic Acid is found naturally in anise and has antiseptic or germ-killing properties
Polylysine is produced by bacterial fermentation, blocking the protein complex responsible of cellular proliferation
High thermal stability
Easy to use and effective in a pH range 4.5 – 7.5
Almost odourless and clearly soluble in water at all concentrations

ORIGIN

Functional vegetal derivatives

Appearance	Clear liquid
Colour	Brown
Odour	Characteristic
pH	5.5 – 7.5
Dry residue (105°C)	65 – 67 %
Specific gravity (25 °C)	1.17 ÷ 1.21

Skincare, Haircare, Personal care, Oral care.

It is advisable to not use substances obtained through a fermentation process in formulas containing EPSAN® Plus as preservative system (e.g. Xanthan Gum), because Polylysine binds to polysaccharides and denatures them.