NovaguardTM EHG
INCI: Ethylhexylglycerin
Multifunctional ingredient and preservative booster
Novaguard EHG is a completely odorless, versatile, and multi-functional ingredient with antimicrobial efficacy. It provides a boosting effect on antimicrobials and preservatives. It is easy to handle and pH-independent.
Features
- Bacteriostatic booster
- Free of parabens, formaldehyde donors
- Skin care additive
- Versatile Deodorant active
- Multifunctional Cosmetic ingredient
- Enhancer for traditional preservative systems
Applications
Skin Care
Sun Care
Shampoo
Conditioner
Baby Care
Wet Wipes
about the product
Versatile ingredient that acts as a solvent
NOVAGUARD EHG (Ethylhexylglycerin) is a versatile ingredient that acts as a solvent while also improving the preservation of cosmetic formulations. It helps create an environment that slows down the growth of microorganisms, keeping products safer and more stable.
Technical Specifications
Formula Guidelines
Usage Level
Effectve pH Range
Recommended Temperature
Use Instructions
Mix well before using pH between 3.0 – 12.0 is required
Microbiology Efficacy
Gram -ve : +++
Yeast : ++
Gram +ve : ++
Mould : +
Specifications
Specifications
- CAS Number: 70445-33-9
- EC Number: 408-080-2
- HS code: 29094990
- Form: Liquid
- EWG Score: 1
Packaging
- 25 Kg carboys
- 200 Kg drums
- 950 Kg IBC
Our Certifications
Validated excellence in quality, safety, and sustainability
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REACH Compliant
Cruelty Free
Ecovardis
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ISO 9001
ISO 14001
ISO 45001
Kosher
Clean at Sephora
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you navigate our products and services
What is Novaguard EHG and what is it primarily used for?
Novaguard EHG is especially valued in clean-label and natural formulation strategies, offering effective preservation support without relying on traditional parabens or formaldehyde-donor preservatives.
How does Novaguard EHG work as a preservative booster?
EHG functions by reducing the surface tension of microbial cell membranes, disrupting the interfacial conditions that bacteria and fungi rely on for survival. This mechanism enhances the efficacy of co-preservatives — allowing lower overall preservative concentrations while maintaining or exceeding the required log-reduction targets.
When paired with phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, or other preservative actives, Novaguard EHG delivers synergistic effects that broaden the antimicrobial spectrum and allow formulators to comply with increasingly restrictive preservative usage limits in global markets.
What are the key benefits of using Novaguard EHG in a formulation?
- Preservation boosting: Enhances the efficacy of primary preservatives, enabling reduced total preservative load.
- Deodorant activity: Inhibits axillary odour-causing bacteria without blocking perspiration, making it ideal for natural deodorant actives.
- Skin conditioning: Imparts a smooth, non-greasy skin feel and supports moisture retention.
- Broad compatibility: Performs reliably across a wide pH range (4–8) and diverse formulation matrices.
- Regulatory flexibility: Listed in INCI, approved under EU Cosmetics Regulation, and compatible with COSMOS and NATRUE natural/organic certification frameworks.
- Sensory enhancement: Improves the aesthetic profile of the finished product — particularly in emulsions and gel formulations.
Is Novaguard EHG effective against both bacteria and fungi?
Yes. Novaguard EHG exhibits activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and yeasts/moulds. However, as a booster rather than a standalone preservative, it is most effective when combined with an appropriate preservative system.
Key test organisms covered in standard challenge testing (ISO 11930 / PET) include:
- Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram-negative)
- Escherichia coli (gram-negative)
- Candida albicans (yeast)
- Aspergillus brasiliensis (mould)
How does Novaguard EHG compare to traditional preservatives in natural formulations?
Unlike parabens and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, EHG carries no sensitisation or endocrine disruption concerns at recommended use levels, and is not subject to the same growing regulatory restrictions. Unlike many “natural” alternatives such as essential oils, it delivers consistent, quantifiable antimicrobial performance without imparting colour or fragrance to the formulation.
Novaguard EHG allows brands to claim “paraben-free”, “formaldehyde-free” and “free from restricted preservatives” — while maintaining full microbial safety in compliance with Criterion A or B of ISO 11930.
Can Novaguard EHG be used in products for sensitive skin or baby care?
EHG has a well-established safety profile and is considered non-irritating and non-sensitising at typical use levels (0.1–1.0%). It is widely used in products intended for sensitive skin, including baby wipes, gentle cleansers, and hypoallergenic moisturisers.
We recommend standard dermatological testing (HRIPT, patch testing) for any specific sensitive-skin or baby product claim, as is best practice for any cosmetic active regardless of its safety profile.