Acyl lactylates with different chain lengths have been used in skin and hair care products for their multiple cosmetic benefits for many years.
In various studies Dr Straetmans has tested single acyl lactylates and combinations of different chain lengths in respect to their antimicrobial properties and optimised their efficacy against certain target germs. An optimised mixture of naturally sourced acyl lactylates with different chain lengths, commercialised under the brand name dermosoft decalact, was tested following different test protocols against traditional benchmark ingredients:
1.) MIC-tests of different lactylates were tested against specific germs causing dermatological conditions
2.) In-vitro tests according to a modified preservative efficacy test (Pharm.Eur./BP) with the same germs were conducted comparing acyl lactylates with traditional actives (e.g. Triclosan, Climbazole, Salicylic Acid, Piroctone Olamine) in model formulations (e.g. anti-dandruff shampoo, foot cream)
3.) In-vivo tests finally are done where possible to verify the established in vitro results under real conditions with volunteers
The following lists show the selected systems where we found a strong effect for dermosoft® decalact, at least comparable or superior to the benchmark product used in the study:
Test organism Condition Benchmark product
Malassezia furfur Dandruff Piroctone Olamine
Propionibacterium acnes Acne/Impure skin Triclosan, Salicylic Acid
Trichophyton mentagrophytes Athletes foot Climbazole, Triclosan
Corynebacterium xerosis Body odour Ethylhexylglycerine
All studies were conducted independent from each other. As test media typical model formulations were used. In all cases identical variants of these formulations were produced that differed only in the actives contained therein. A placebo formulation with no active was also used in every test as a control.
The results clearly demonstrate that antimicrobials based on sustainable, regrowing sources can yield the same or even better results as compared to widely used benchmark products like Triclosan, Ethylhexylglycerine or Piroctone Olamine. In some cases (e.g. Triclosan or Climbazole) the marketing of finished products using these ingredients is becoming increasingly difficult. This is related to further legislative restrictions and/or a deterioration of the public opinion regarding these ingredients. New, effective ingredients with proven efficacy like dermosoft® decalact offer excellent opportunities to position cosmetic brands based on sustainable active ingredients. Furthermore they allow high cosmetic performance and strong marketing claims in e.g. anti-dandruff shampoos, deodorants or foot creams based on this new natural active.
