PRESERVATION 93
Synergistic preservation using hurdle technology
Bryan Taylor - Inolex
An effective preservation system protects more than product; it protects brand integrity. In the short-term, product recalls, due to contamination, impact sales. Long-term, these issues impact brand and company reputation, too. Maintaining efficacy and legacy depends on
an effective preservative system. Research and Markets estimates the global preservation market is growing 10.1% a year and will reach $1.3 billion by 2032. Protecting formulations efficiently and effectively
is no easy task. Inolex uses a multi-pronged approach, hurdle technology, to ensure product integrity. Hurdle technology was popularized as a preservation system in the food industry. It is an intelligent combination of different
preservation factors or techniques – hurdles - to achieve broad spectrum, mild, and reliable preservation effects rather than relying on one intense intervention. Hurdle technology experts Lothar Leistner
and Grahame W. Gould defined it in 2002 as an “intelligent combination of key hurdles (pH, water activity, temperature, electron activity)”. The authors expanded their work in 2012, adding modern advancements focused on non thermal methods, AI driven predictive microbiology, natural antimicrobial systems, microbiome friendly approaches, and application beyond food into cosmetics and clean label preservation. Today, hurdle technology enables formulators
to create safer, cleaner, 100% natural, broad- spectrum preservation systems.
Inhospitable to microbial growth In beauty and personal care formulations, Inolex combines multiple techniques to create an environment that is inhospitable to microbial growth. The multiple techniques include various benefits from ingredients, as well as processing procedures: 1. Common ingredient functions that create
hurdles include membrane disruption and iron chelation. 2. Formulation hurdles include low pH and
employment of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles. According to Miao Wang, Inolex vice-president
for research, development and commercialization, hurdle technology is more effective than single preservative systems. “Traditional preservation often relies on one strong biocide at high levels—an approach that
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can increase irritation, limit safety margins, and reduce formulation flexibility,” she explains. “Hurdle technology replaces this with a
layered, synergistic preservation strategy in which multiple mild mechanisms work together to create a reliably protected environment. “By adjusting pH, lowering water activity, chelating essential metals, and gently disrupting microbial membranes, these complementary hurdles reinforce one another, delivering broad- spectrum defence without relying on harsh, high dose preservatives.” This integrated design is scientifically robust,
technically versatile, and strategically aligned with regulatory and consumer expectations for safer, cleaner formulas. It offers stronger, more resilient preservation performance while supporting gentler user experiences and cleaner labels.
Key advantages of hurdle technology The key advantages of hurdle technology include the following.
Hurdle technology
is a layered, synergistic preservation strategy in which multiple mild mechanisms
work together Miao Wang, Inolex vice-president for research, development and commercialization
Synergistic multimode of actions—
acidification, chelation, and membrane disruption collectively create conditions that inhibit bacteria, yeast, and mould more effectively than any single active alone. Improved skin compatibility—lowering individual use levels while maintaining strong efficacy and reducing regulatory pressure associated with aggressive preservative classes. Broad formulation flexibility, allowing
preservation systems to be tailored to emulsions, cleansers, wipes, sunscreens, and a wide pH range. Support for modern ‘self-preserving’ and clean label designs, meeting consumer expectations for gentle, safe, and transparent ingredient choices. Inolex hurdle technology contributes to
product efficacy in several ways, including pH control, membrane disruption, and chelation. Lowering the pH creates an environment
where most microbes cannot thrive. Organic acids, such as CHA, remain active across a broader pH range and disrupt microbial metabolic processes, reinforcing overall preservation strength. In membrane disruption (MCTDs, Glyceryl
Esters/Ethers), amphiphilic molecules embed into microbial lipid membranes, increasing permeability and triggering leakage or cell collapse. This mechanism is particularly effective against bacteria and pairs synergistically with acidification and chelation. In chelation, aka metal sequestration,
chelators like Caprylhydroxamic Acid (CHA) bind essential metal ions (such as Fe3+
) required May 2026 PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE
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