Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE.

Valuable CAS 55406-53-6 / PRESERVATIVE

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (IPBC) is a highly effective, broad-spectrum preservative crucial for enhancing the stability and longevity of cosmetic formulations. It actively prevents the proliferation of bacteria, yeast, and mold, ensuring product integrity. When utilized within established regulatory limits, IPBC exhibits a low potential for skin irritation and is generally well-tolerated.

Summary

Preservative Antifungal Antibacterial

Science

Mechanism of Action

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (IPBC) functions as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, primarily targeting and inhibiting the growth of various microorganisms. Its efficacy extends to bacteria, yeast, and especially mold, thereby safeguarding cosmetic products from spoilage and extending their shelf life.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.00006–0.1%
Optimal

0.1%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrates effectiveness against common mold (Aspergillus niger) at concentrations as low as 0.00006%.
  2. 02 Effective against a range of bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, within the concentration range of 0.025% to 0.1%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.1%
Red flag below
0.1%

IPBC is a potent preservative effective at low concentrations; therefore, exceeding the maximum recommended concentration of 0.1% (as per CIR) is unnecessary for efficacy and can increase the risk of mild dermal irritation, as observed at 0.5% and above. Regulatory bodies also impose stricter limits in many regions.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

IPBC maintains stability across a broad pH range. However, its stability significantly diminishes in highly alkaline environments; its half-life reduces from 139 days at pH 7 to less than one day at pH 9.

Conflicts

  • Should not be formulated into aerosolized products due to acute inhalation toxicity concerns.
  • Prohibited in oral hygiene and lip care products.
  • Not recommended for use in products intended for children under 3 years of age, with specific exceptions for certain rinse-off bath/shower gel/shampoo products requiring a warning label.
  • Not advised for products applied over large areas of the body, such as extensive body lotions and creams.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.1%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel deems IPBC safe as a cosmetic ingredient at concentrations up to 0.1%, provided it is not aerosolized. Mild dermal irritation has been observed at concentrations of 0.5% and higher. It has been found negative for mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive/developmental toxicity. The SCCNFP recommended a maximum concentration of 0.05% and advised against its use in oral hygiene and lip products, requiring a 'Contains Iodine' label for leave-on products exceeding 0.02%. European Union regulations are stricter, limiting its use to 0.02% in rinse-off products, 0.01% in leave-on products (excluding deodorants/antiperspirants), and 0.0075% in deodorants/antiperspirants. It is prohibited in specific products for children under 3 years of age.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate is a valuable broad-spectrum preservative, highly effective at low concentrations in maintaining product safety and stability, provided strict adherence to its regulatory concentration limits and usage restrictions across various cosmetic categories.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…