{"product_id":"liquid-germall-plus-preservative","title":"Liquid Germall Plus Preservative","description":"\u003cp\u003eLiquid Germall Plus is a widely trusted, broad-spectrum water-soluble cosmetic preservative — one of the most popular and versatile preservative systems available to Australian cosmetic formulators. A clear, viscous liquid blend of Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (IPBC), it delivers reliable antimicrobial and antifungal protection across a wide range of personal care formulations at exceptionally low usage rates of just 0.1–0.5%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat distinguishes Liquid Germall Plus from many other cosmetic preservative systems is its exceptionally broad pH range — effective from pH 3.0 to 8.0. This makes it one of the most formulation-flexible preservatives available, suitable for acidic serums and toners, neutral body washes, and higher-pH conditioners without the pH adjustment constraints of sorbic acid-dependent systems like Optiphen Plus. It requires no pH optimisation for the preservative to function — simply add it below 50°C and it performs across the full typical cosmetic pH range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiquid Germall Plus is paraben-free and effective at very low doses — making it cost-efficient and suitable for clean beauty and natural-positioned product ranges. Its water solubility makes it straightforward to incorporate into any water-containing formulation, and its low required usage rate (0.1–0.5%) means it contributes minimally to formulation cost per unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo important formulation constraints: Liquid Germall Plus is heat-sensitive and must be added to the formulation below 50°C — adding at higher temperatures compromises the preservative system and may result in under-preserved product. It is also not suitable for lip products, anhydrous (water-free) formulations, or aerosol\/spray products — ensure your application is appropriate before selecting this preservative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHOW IT WORKS — THE TWO-COMPONENT ACTIVE SYSTEM\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiquid Germall Plus achieves broad-spectrum protection through two complementary antimicrobial actives dispersed in a propylene glycol carrier:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiazolidinyl Urea (the primary broad-spectrum antibacterial)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDiazolidinyl Urea is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative — it slowly releases small amounts of formaldehyde in aqueous formulations, which acts as a broad-spectrum biocide against bacteria and some fungi. The formaldehyde release is controlled and at cosmetic usage rates (0.1–0.5% of Liquid Germall Plus) the amount released is well within safe cosmetic limits globally. Diazolidinyl Urea is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and moulds. Its activity is notably pH-independent — it functions across the full pH 3.0–8.0 range — which is why Liquid Germall Plus does not require pH adjustment for efficacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate \/ IPBC (the antifungal)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIPBC is a highly effective antifungal and anti-yeast preservative particularly valued for its activity against mould species that are resistant to many other preservative systems. IPBC works by inhibiting fungal enzyme activity, particularly those involved in cell wall biosynthesis. It provides the antifungal coverage that makes Liquid Germall Plus a genuinely broad-spectrum system. IPBC is not suitable for lip products due to concerns about oral exposure — this is why Liquid Germall Plus is contraindicated in lip formulations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePropylene Glycol (the carrier and humectant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePropylene Glycol serves as the solvent\/carrier that keeps the active components in solution and facilitates their dispersion throughout the formulation. It also acts as a mild humectant in the finished product, contributing moisture-retention properties. Its presence in the INCI declaration is required even though it is not itself a preservative active.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUSAGE RATES BY FORMULATION TYPE\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFace and body lotions and creams (O\/W emulsions)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate: 0.3–0.5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes: Standard application; add at cool-down below 50°C; stir thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution throughout the emulsion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater-in-oil creams and emulsions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate: 0.3–0.5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes: Fully effective in W\/O systems; disperse in the water phase before emulsification for best distribution, or add at cool-down\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFacial serums and toners (water-based)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate: 0.2–0.4%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes: Lower viscosity water-based formulations may use slightly lower rates; confirm with challenge testing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShampoos and liquid hair products\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate: 0.3–0.5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes: Effective in surfactant-rich systems; add at cool-down below 50°C; stir thoroughly for uniform dispersion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConditioners (rinse-off and leave-on)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate: 0.3–0.5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes: One of the few preservatives effective in the pH range typical of conditioners (pH 4.5–6.5); no pH adjustment required for Liquid Germall Plus activity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody washes and facial cleansers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate: 0.3–0.5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes: Excellent choice for surfactant-based cleansers; effective across the full cleansing product pH range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGels (carbomer, xanthan, hydroxyethylcellulose)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate: 0.2–0.4%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes: Unlike Optiphen Plus, Liquid Germall Plus is effective in carbomer gels at typical pH 6.0–7.0 — no pH adjustment required; add at gel cool-down\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHair gels and styling products\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate: 0.2–0.4%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes: Ideal for water-based styling gels; fully compatible with cationic and anionic systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaby products\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate: 0.1–0.3%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes: Use at the lower end of the range; note IPBC use restrictions for baby products in some markets — check current EU and TGA regulations; IPBC is restricted\/prohibited in leave-on baby products in the EU\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicellar water and makeup removers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate: 0.2–0.3%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFacial masks (wash-off)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRate: 0.3–0.5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOT suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLip balms, lip glosses, lip sticks — IPBC component is not approved for lip products due to oral exposure concerns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnhydrous formulations (oils, balms, butters without water) — no preservation needed in water-free formulations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAerosol\/spray products — not suitable; use alternative preservative systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTYPICAL APPLICATIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFace creams and facial moisturisers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody lotions and body creams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFacial serums and toners\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShampoos and liquid cleansing products\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHair conditioners (rinse-off and leave-on)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody washes and shower gels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFacial cleansers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbomer gels and water-based styling gels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHair gels and styling products\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicellar water and makeup removers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEye creams and eye gels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-sun lotions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHand creams and hand washes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaby washes (check regulatory restrictions for IPBC in baby leave-on products)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFacial masks (wash-off)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eINCI Name: Propylene Glycol (and) Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommon Name: Liquid Germall Plus, Germall Plus Liquid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAppearance: Clear, viscous liquid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOdour: Mild characteristic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsage Level: 0.1–0.5% of total formulation weight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended Standard Usage Rate: 0.3–0.5% for most applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptimal pH Range: 3.0–8.0 — broad pH range; no pH adjustment required for preservative efficacy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhase Addition: Cool-down phase — add to water phase or finished formulation at or below 50°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature Sensitivity: Heat-sensitive — do not add above 50°C; activity may be compromised above this temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater Soluble: Yes — fully water-soluble; add to water phase or at cool-down\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParaben-free: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFormaldehyde-releasing: Yes — Diazolidinyl Urea is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative (see safety and regulatory notes below)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for: O\/W (oil-in-water) and W\/O (water-in-oil) emulsions, aqueous systems, surfactant-based products\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot suitable for: Lip products, anhydrous (water-free) formulations, aerosol\/spray products\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShelf Life: 2 years from manufacture in sealed storage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStorage: Store sealed in a cool, dark place away from heat and direct sunlight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYOU MAY ALSO NEED\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/optiphen-plus\"\u003eOptiphen Plus Preservative\u003c\/a\u003e — alternative paraben-free, non-formaldehyde-releasing preservative for pH 6.0 and below; ideal for lip-safe products\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/citric-acid-anhydrous\"\u003eCitric Acid Anhydrous\u003c\/a\u003e — pH adjustment tool for formulations requiring pH optimisation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/btms-50\"\u003eBTMS-50\u003c\/a\u003e — conditioning emulsifier for shampoos and conditioners requiring preservation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/shea-butter-refined-certified-organic\"\u003eShea Butter (Refined \u0026amp; Organic)\u003c\/a\u003e — primary butter for preserved lotion and cream formulations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cosmetic-wax-and-emulsifiers\"\u003eWax and Emulsifiers Collection\u003c\/a\u003e — emulsifying waxes for preserved lotion and cream formulations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/essential-oils\"\u003eEssential Oils Collection\u003c\/a\u003e — natural scenting for your preserved cosmetic formulations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/fragrance-oils\"\u003eFragrance Oils\u003c\/a\u003e — phthalate-free fragrance oils for preserved personal care formulations\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/packaging\"\u003ePackaging — Bottles and Jars\u003c\/a\u003e — suitable packaging for your preserved finished cosmetic products\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soapmaid Australia Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"100ml","offer_id":45994637263034,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"500ml","offer_id":45994637295802,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0509\/8278\/1114\/files\/Gemini_Generated_Image_qhzzl6qhzzl6qhzz_4f817af3-1e15-4f54-86c8-86f8980e1df0.png?v=1781751955","url":"https:\/\/www.soapmaid.com\/products\/liquid-germall-plus-preservative","provider":"Soapmaid Australia Pty Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}