Leucidal SF Max Preservative | Formulating Guideline & Safety

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Leucidal SF Max is a preservative that is used in cosmetics and skincare products to extend their shelf life.

This natural preservative can keep your products safe from harmful bacteria. Leucidal SF Max is generally regarded as safe and natural!

Leucidal SF Max Quick Facts

Leucidal SF Max INCI:

Lactobacillus Ferment

COSMOS and ECOCERT Standards:

Leucidal SF Max meets ECOCERT and COSMOS standards.

Leucidal SF Max Ingredients:

Lactobacillus Ferment

Leucidal SF Max Preservation Activity:

Leucidal SF Max contains fermented Lactobacillus that works as a preservative in a couple of ways. Lactobacillus acidifies its environment, which restricts the growth of other microorganisms. It also produces antimicrobial peptides that provide a broad spectrum of protection.

Is Leucidial SF Max Water Soluble?

Leucidal SF Max is water-soluble.

PH Compatibility:

Leucidal SF Max is compatible with pH levels 3-8

Recommended Usage Levels:

The suggested usage level for Leucidal SF Max is 2.0-4.0%

What is Leucidal SF Max?

Leucidal SF Max is a probiotic-based preservative that is derived from the root of a radish.

It is generally safe and derived from Lactobacillus, which is a probiotic. This fermented form is often used to turn milk into yogurt! 

While this preservative is antimicrobial, you will need another preservative to use along with it to reduce the growth of fungi like AMTicide Coconut Preservative.

This preservative offers a wide range of protection from microbes while remaining easy to work with. It can be used in various products and is an excellent choice for those looking for a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. 

Leucidal SF Max can also provide a surge of moisture in your DIY cosmetic product, which allows your product to not dry out over time and adds an extra dose of hydration to your product!

This preservative has a relatively low odor, but it can have a hazy appearance. If you’re looking to make a colorless or clear liquid to reduce haze, you should bring your formulation to room temperature before mixing it in. 

In my experience, I haven't been able to get a clear result when using in my water based products. The results have been hazy.

You can try adding a solubilizer to improve the clarity of your formulation.

Is Leucidal SF Max Safe?

Leucidal SF Max generally regarded as safe; it is made from radish roots and is generally used without any issue.

Although it is generally safe, it is important to ensure that you use this product as recommended and if you have any questions regarding any preservative, you should contact the manufacturer. 

Is Leucidal SF Max Natural?

Leucidal SF Max is a natural product with its only ingredient being fermented Lactobacillus.

Leucidal SF Max Uses:

You can use Leucidal SF Max in a variety of products including:

• Lotions
• Conditioner
• Creams
• Toners
• Gels

How to Use Leucidial SF Max Preservative in Formulations

Leucidal SF Max can be used with a wide range of pHs; compatible pH levels include 3-8.

It is recommended to add Leucidal SF Max during the cooling stage of your product creation (below 40°F) to reduce the hazy appearance that the preservative can add.

It is suggested to use at 2.0-4.0% concentration. If this is the only preservative in your product, it is recommended to be used at 4%.

Emulsions, Lotions & Creams

When creating emulsions, Leucidal SF Max is added near the end making sure your formulation has cooled to below 40 degrees C.

Surfactant and Cleansing Formulas

Leucidal SF Max is compatible in cationic and nonionic surfactant formulations but should be added near the end after your formulation has cooled to below 40 degrees C.

In anionic systems, it's recommended to add the preservative after the anionic surfactant using a thickener if necessary.

Gel and Aqueous Formulas

Leucidal SF Max is compatible in cationic and nonionic Gel/Water based formulas but should be added near the end after your formulation has cooled to below 40 degrees C.

Leucidal SF Max Warnings & Incompatibility

Leucidal SF Max does not come with any warnings for use in external beauty products. It is not for human consumption. Always use Leucidal SF Max at its recommended concentrations. 

Leucidal SF Max is antimicrobial, so it is important to keep in mind that you will need another preservative such as AMTicide Coconut to control molds and yeasts’ growth.

Leucidal SF Max & Hyaluronic Acid

An additional step is required when using Hyaluronic Acid and Leucidal SF Max.

You will need to charge the water, add your preservative and let mix until uniform. Then using a high shear mixer, add in your hyaluronic acid.

Leucidal SF Max & Xanthan Gum

An additional step is also needed when formulating with Xanthan Gum and Leucidal SF Max. 

You will need to charge the water, add your preservative and let mix until uniform.

Leucidal SF Max Alternatives

The draw of this particular preservative is it's water solubility. So if you're looking for an alternative for a water based product like a toner, you need a water soluble alternative.

This can be tricky, but there are definitely other options like:

Dermosoft 1388 Eco (Glycerin, Aqua, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate) This preservative is completely water soluble, but is not considered a broad spectrum preservative. It can need a boost against yeast.

Versatil SL non GMO (Aqua, Sodium Levulinate, Potassium Sorbate)

Geogard ECT / Preservative Eco (Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Sorbic Acid) Because it includes benzyl alcohol, which is not completely water soluble, this preservative is fine to be used in emulsions but would need a solubilizer for a completely water based product like a toner.

Other Natural Preservative Options

If Leucidal SF Max doesn't work for your formulation, check out these other natural preservative options.

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