Leucidal® Advanced Aloe

Leucidal® Advanced Aloe is Active Micro Technologies' newest antimicrobial developed to combine the performance of botanical extracts and fermentation products to create a nature-based antimicrobial with the added ability to soften, soothe, nourish and moisturize skin.

Background

Aloe is a plant whose medicinal use was first documented by the Egyptians around 1500 B.C. Native to arid climates, the leaves resist desiccation and contain a thick sap known for its healing properties. Over the years, aloe has been used to treat eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions and insect bites. Today aloe is commonly used to relieve sunburn redness and pain due to its excellent moisturizing and soothing benefits.

The berries of Rowan trees (also know as Mountain Ash) are an excellent natural source of sorbic acid.  These berries have long been used tomake jelly and alcoholic beverages. The fatty acid provided emollient qualitites to soften and soothe skin. Sorbic acid is also well know for its antifungal properties.

Science

By combining the performance of botanical extracts and fermentation products with the natural defense mechanisms employed by microorganigans, Active Micro Technologies has created a product offering both traditional skin care benefits and antimicrobial properties.

Fermentation is a natural process that releases  the plant's active components while delivering additional nutrients. Manufacturing begins with macerated aloe leaves and rowan berries, a rich growth medium, and the Leuconostoc culture to produce a ferment filtrate.  Ferment filtrates of this nature provide cosmetic bio-actives valued for their excellent moisturizing and soothing benefits.

AMT has an ongoing interest in harnessing the natural mechanisms used by microorganisms to protect themselves. In the case of Leucidal® Advanced Aloe, they are capitalizing on the ability of certian Leuconostoc species to restrict competition by producing antimicorbial peptides.  With modern biotechnology, they are able to create a fermentation extract with an effective concentration of these natureal peptides. The groad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy of these peptides is further enhanced by the fermentation of the sorbic acid containing rowan berrier.  Leucidal® Advanced Aloe not only delivers the cosmetic benefits described above, but also had the ability to protect cosmetic formulations from microbial contamination.

Use Recommentdations

As with all biological materials some attention must be paid to the conditions under which Leucidal® Advanced Aloe can be used. The material is stable with regard to temperature and its antimicrobial properties are most effective between pH 3 and 8. The suggested use levels are typically between 2 and 4%. This unique ingredient delivers the skin conditioning benefits of soothing and moisturization, while functioning as a natural preservative in many cosmetic formulations.

For many cosmetic formulations Leucidal® Liquid can function as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives.  It may also be useful as a topical antimicrobial when addressing problem skin or scalp conditions.  While it has only a slight odor, it will impart some color to clear cosmetic products, although it is still possible to formulate "white" emulsions.

Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC), using a standard growth media dilution method and both bacterial and fungal cultures, were determined to evaluate the ability of Leucidal Advanced  Aloe to protect against microbial proliferation. The results indicate that Leucidal Advanced  Aloe can provide effective protection for cosmetic formulations.

Double Challenge testing reveals that 2% Leucidal Advanced Aloe in a generic shampoo and cream formulation was to successfully inhibit microbial growth. Samples were inoculated with S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, and A. brasilliensis.  Following 28 days of incubation samples were then re-inoculated for an additional 28 days.  The results indicate that Leucidal Advanced Aloe has the potential to provide effective protection for both shampoo and cream formulations.

Key Benefits

• Water soluble
• Naturally derived
• Mild odor
• Heat stable
• REACH Status - Fully compliant
• Broad spectrum of antibacterial activity

Suggested Applications

• Skin Conditioning
• Antimicrobial

Processing Information

Leucidal Advanced Aloe is GMO Free and no ethoxylation, irradiation, sulphonation, hydrogenation, or ethylene oxide is used in processing.  The solvent used for extraction is simply water. There are no additional preservatives or antioxidants.

Formulation Guidelines

Leucidal Advanced Aloe is compatible with most nonionic emulsifiers (Polawax, Emulsifying Wax NF, Lotionpro 165).   It is compatible with most cationic emulsifiers (BTMS, BTMS-50).

It is compatible with most anionic and amphoteric surfactant based cleansers (shampoo and body wash formulations).  It is not compatible with strongly anionic emulsifiers and some lamellar gel or liquid crystal structures.  It is not compatible with Xanthan Gum.  We've noted some emulsion failure over time when used with ECOMulse emulsifier.

We have tested 2% Leucidal Advanced Aloe, added at cool down after the emulsion has formed, in a basic lotion formulation with the following emulsifiers at 5 - 8% with no apparent loss of stability:

• Lotioncrafter BTMS
• Lotioncrafter BTMS-50
• Polawax Emulsifying Wax NF
• Lotioncrafter Emulsifying Wax NF
• Olivem 1000
• Lotionpro 165

Although heat stable, we recommend adding it to emulsions at cool-down to avoid possible destabilization problems. 

While it has a broad pH range of 3 - 8, Leucudal Advanced Aloe will be most effective at a pH of 6.0 or less.

The choice of preservatives for personal care formulations should be carefully considered. This is especially true when using natural antimicrobials and or other “mild” antimicrobials.  We recommend that every formula undergo stability and microbial testing to ensure adequate preservation.

Recommended Usage Level: 2.0% - 4.0%
pH (as supplied): 4.5 - 7.0
Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy yellow liquid
Solubility: Soluble in water, glycerin and propylene glycol, immiscible with oils.
Solids (1g/1hr/105°C): 13.0 - 18.0%
Sorbic Acid: 0.75 - 2.0%
Shelf Life: 12 months
Storage and Use: Sealed container away from sunlight. Do not freeze, store at or near room temperature. Mix well prior to use; may sediment on standing.

INCI:  Water (and) Leuconostoc/Aloe barbadensis Leaf/ Sorbus Aucuparia Fruit Ferment Filtrate