I respectfully want to point out all the issues that surround both GSE and even the preservatives I use. GSE, even though invented in the 1970's in Germany, is not a trusted, reliable, preservative I would feel comfortable using while selling my goods to my customers, no matter how much I would LOVE to use it as such! Folks, GSE is not a "preservative" in B&B, and I only know of one Internet supplier who is brave enough to call it such, while most only will call it a "antioxidant" for preventing oils prone to rancidity, at best. Here is a article with quoted studies you might want to take a look at before considering this a safe "preservative" in aqueous emulsification's, especially if considering selling your water-based goods.
Yes, there are 2 sides to every fence, and I have, over the past 2 years, tried looking with an open mind at both sides. But until I can 100% guarantee to my customers that GSE will keep my/their lotions/creams protected from 1 year of manufacture, I can't use this product.
http://www.terressentials.com/truthaboutgse.html
and also please read;
http://www.treasuredlocks.com/trabpringrse.html
I do sell lotions and creams, and would absolutely LOVE to use an natural "preservative" if one would effectively work without causing harm to a customer. GSE cannot guarantee this and thus, in my mind, cannot be a trusted, effective long term (up to a year) preservative where water is a component in the emulsification. I use Lotioncrafter and The Herbarie as my lotions/creams preservative suppliers, and they do not sell GSE as a preservative, a antioxidant only. Like Tab stated, whipped body butters, things like shea butter, anything where no water in included, or could accidentally dropped into the jar of butters or scrub, is fine. Water creates germies if not protected correctly.
I even read that some GSE manufacturers are putting Parabens in their GSE to help it protect in water based applications. That is not much different than just outright using them as the preservative.
These are just my guidelines I use for making my decisions based on the research I've done for the past couple years, and asking others their views. You guys, please research, and after looking at both sides of the fence like I did, and make the decision that only you can feel comfortable with! :wink: 8)
Paul....
