GreenGard™ TBO is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial blend, highly effective against both Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria, as well as yeast and mold. This versatile liquid blend combines benzoic acid, triethyl citrate, and caprylyl glycol to provide reliable preservation and antimicrobial protection. It is cost-effective, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and free from formaldehyde-releasing substances and phenoxyethanol. Ideal for a wide range of cosmetic and personal care applications, this preservative ensures product stability and safety while maintaining a clean, natural formulation.

INCI Name: Benzoic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethyl Citrate

Functions: Anti-Microbial Agent, Preservative

Benefit Claims: Cost Effective, Preservation

Labeling Claims: Formaldehyde Releasing Substances-free, Fragrance-free, Paraben-free, Phenoxyethanol-free

Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Features & Benefits

Benefit Claims
Labeling Claims
Function

Triethyl citrate is a functional solvent for preservation blends. It is combined with caprylyl glycol, a multifunctional wetting agent, and the well-known preservative benzoic acid to create GreenGard™ TBO. GreenGard™ TBO is suitable for fragrance-free formulas and allows you to work without Phenoxyethanol without compromising the biological stability of the products.

Product Benefits
  • Cost effective
  • Free from parabens, formaldhyde releasers, phenoxyethanol
  • Reliable preservation
  • Low impact on stability

Applications & Uses

Use Level
1.0 - 2.0%
Application pH Range
4 - 6
Formulation Guidelines
  • Can be combined easily with other organic acids if needed
  • Effective performance is given at pH range 4-6
  • Can be incorporated into hot or cold process formulations

Properties

Physical Form
Appearance
Clear colorless yellow liquid
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
pH4 - 6--
SDS Physical and Chemical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
AppearanceClear colorless to yellow liquid--
Density (at 20°C)0.950 - 1.50g/cm³-
Specifications
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Assay Content (octane-1, 2-diol)38 - 42%-
Triethyl Citrate Assay42 - 48%-
Benzoic Acid14.00 - 16.00%-
Refractive Index (at 25°C)1.4250 - 1.5250-Refractometer
OdorCharacteristic (GLTM001)--
Specific Gravity (at 20°C)0.950 - 1.050-GLTM002
Note

This product contains natural ingredients and there may be color & odor variations from lot to lot due to crop fluctuations from harvest to harvest.

Technical Details & Test Data

GreenGard™ TBO Microbiology Challenge

GreenGard™ TBO had its preservation properties tested in an O/W emulsion (1.3% usage rate, formulation pH of 5.13). A 28-day European Pharmacopoeia test was performed, in which the formula was challenge tested against Gram (+) & Gram (-) bacteria, yeast and mold inoculations.

Microbial species used for the challenge testing listed below:
Gram (+): S. aureus
Gram (-): P. aeruginosa, E. coli
Yeast: C. albicans
Mold: A. brasiliensis

Results:
The formula showed a 99.99% reduction in cfu/g within 2 days of inoculation for the Gram (+) & (-) bacterial species, and after 7 days for the yeast and mold species. Reduction was maintained for the remainder of the trial.

 GreenGard™ TBO (1.3% in O/W emulsion, pH 5.13) European Pharmacopoeia Test

 

Figure 1 - GreenGard™ TBO reduction of cfu/g against bacteria, yeast and mold in an emulsion system. Total kill was observed for bacteria species after 2 days, and for yeast and mold species after 7 days. Reductions maintained forremainder of trial. Conclusion:

GreenGard™ TBO, when used at 1.30% in an O/W emulsion between pH 5.0 - 5.50, is a broad- spectrum, germicidal preservative. It is highly effective against Gram (+) & (-) bacteria, and effective against yeast and mold.

Storage & Handling

Shelf Life
36 months