Dermosoft 1388 Eco Preservative Formulating Guidelines & Safety
Dermosoft 1388 Eco is a preservative that works with your skin’s natural pH to help keep your skincare products on your shelf longer.
Dermosoft 1388 Eco provides broad antimicrobial activity, although it is not equally effective against every type of microorganism. In particular, it may need additional support against yeast.

Dermosoft 1388 Eco Quick Facts
| Dermosoft 1388 Eco INCI: |
| Glycerin; Aqua; Sodium Levulinate; Sodium Anisate |
| COSMOS and ECOCERT Standards: |
| Dermosoft 1388 Eco meets COSMOS and ECOCERT standards |
| Dermosoft 1388 Eco Ingredients: |
| Dermosoft 1388 Eco has 4 ingredients; glycerin, aqua, sodium levulinate, and sodium anisate |
| Dermosoft 1388 Eco Preservation Activity: |
| Dermosoft 1388 Eco combines sodium levulinate and sodium anisate in a pH-dependent antimicrobial system. It works only within an appropriately acidic formula, so the finished product’s pH must be checked after formulation. |
| Is Deromsoft 1388 Eco Water Soluble? |
| Dermosoft 1388 Eco is water-soluble. |
| PH Compatibility: |
| Dermosoft 1388 Eco s compatible with pH ranges 4.0-5.5 |
| Recommended Usage Levels: |
| Recommended usage levels vary based on the products that you are using it with. Emulsions and surfactants should have usage of 2-4%. Aqueous products should have a maximum usage of 2.5%. |
What is Dermosoft 1388 Eco Preservative?

Dermosoft 1388 Eco is a blend of plant derivatives that are palm-free. In rinse-off products, it can be used as a stand-alone preservative.
Dermosoft 1388 Eco has broad antimicrobial activity, but it is not particularly strong against yeast on its own. Depending on the formula, an additional yeast-effective ingredient may be needed. Potassium sorbate is one option identified in supplier guidance, but the complete preservative system still needs to be evaluated for compatibility and tested in the finished product.
Dermosoft 1388 Eco has a gentle scent that can help mask fragrances from using other raw products. It can also help to regulate skin’s pH and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Is Dermosoft 1388 Eco Safe?
Dermosoft 1388 Eco is intended for use as a cosmetic ingredient within the manufacturer’s recommended conditions. Wear appropriate protective equipment when handling the concentrated ingredient and follow the current supplier safety data sheet.
Preservative performance cannot be confirmed by appearance, smell, or a skin patch test. Water-based formulas intended for storage or distribution should undergo appropriate microbial testing, such as a preservative efficacy or challenge test, to confirm that the finished preservative system works as intended.
Is Dermosoft 1388 Eco Natural?
Dermosoft 1388 Eco is made from naturally derived ingredients and can be used in natural cosmetic formulations. It is available as a COSMOS-approved raw material. Ingredient approval does not automatically make the finished cosmetic product COSMOS certified.
The standard Dermosoft 1388 Eco grade contains non-organic glycerin. Confirm any additional certification or sourcing claims against the documentation for the exact grade purchased.
Dermosoft 1388 Eco Uses:

Dermosoft 1388 Eco is especially useful in rinse-off products such as facial cleansers, body washes, shower gels, scrubs, masks, and hair-cleansing products. It can provide stand-alone antimicrobial protection in properly formulated rinse-off products.
It can also be used in emulsions and other cosmetic products, but supplier guidance recommends combining it with an appropriate antimicrobial co-active in emulsions to improve preservation performance. Every water-based formula should undergo suitable microbial testing to confirm that its preservative system is effective.
How to use Dermosoft 1388 Eco Preservative in Formulations
Dermosoft 1388 Eco is recommended for formulas with a final pH of 4.0–5.5. Supplier guidance recommends keeping the finished formula below pH 5 for reliable antimicrobial performance. Because adding ingredients can change pH, measure and adjust the pH again after the formula is complete.
Dermosoft 1388 Eco can be used in surfactants, emulsions, and aqueous-based products.
When used in aqueous-based products it should be used at a 2.5% maximum usage. Before adding to aqueous based systems, the pH needs to be > 7. That's why it's recommended to:
1. Add your preservative to the pure water phase
2. Add remaining components of the water phase
3. At the end of formulation, adjust the pH to below 5.5 to help avoid recrystallization.
In other products, it can make up 2-4% of your water content.
Dermosoft 1388 Eco is water-soluble and cold-processable. It can be added to the heated water phase of an emulsion or incorporated during the cool-down phase. After the preservative and all other ingredients are incorporated, check the finished formula’s pH and adjust it if necessary.
Click here for more information from the manufacturer.
Dermosoft 1388 Eco Warnings
Dermosoft 1388 Eco is generally regarded as safe to use. It is always recommended to wear protective clothing when working with preservatives.
If you have any questions about usage or safety, you should contact the manufacturer.
Where to Buy Dermosoft 1388 Eco Preservative
Dermosoft 1388 ECO
INCI: Glycerin & Water & Sodium Levulinate & Sodium Anisate Use: 2.5–4.0% Ecocert, NaTrue, and COSMOS approved
Dermosoft® 1388 ECO | Soapmaker's Store (UK)
Based in the United Kingdom, Soapmakers Store is a family owned business specialising in the sourcing and supply of premium quality ingredients to the Cosmetic, Toiletry, Aromatherapy, and Soapmaking Industries. With over 40 years experience in the Natural Ingredients Industry, they will endeavour to be your 'one stop shop' for quality raw material supplies. They do offer shipping outside of Europe, but there will be additional charges.
Dermosoft 1388 Eco: Common Questions
What pH does Dermosoft 1388 Eco need?
Dermosoft 1388 Eco is recommended for formulas with a final pH of 4.0–5.5. Supplier guidance recommends keeping the completed formula below pH 5 for reliable antimicrobial performance. Always measure the pH after all ingredients are incorporated.
Can Dermosoft 1388 Eco be used in emulsions?
Yes, it can be used in emulsions. However, supplier guidance recommends combining it with an appropriate antimicrobial co-active to improve preservation performance. Challenge testing is still needed to confirm that the system protects the finished formula.
Does Dermosoft 1388 Eco protect against yeast?
It is not particularly strong against yeast when used alone. Some formulas may need an additional yeast-effective ingredient, but the complete preservative system must be compatible with the formula and verified through microbial testing.
Can Dermosoft 1388 Eco be added during cool down?
Yes. It is water-soluble and cold-processable and can be incorporated during the cool-down phase. Supplier guidance also allows it to be added to the heated water phase of an emulsion.
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If Dermosoft 1388 Eco doesn't work for your formulation, check out these other natural preservative options.
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