In recent years, growing concern over skin issues caused by cosmetics has led to increased demand for low-irritation and hypoallergenic products. As a result, cosmetics labeled as fragrance-free, colorant-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, and free from Former Designated Ingredients ¹⁾ have attracted considerable attention. Parabens, and preservatives classified as Former Designated Ingredients due to their potential to cause skin irritation, are a representative example. Commonly referred to as “environmental hormones”, they are under scrutiny in the EU for their possible endocrine-disrupting effects. ²⁾

Despite these concerns, preservatives play an essential role in cosmetics. Without them, microbial contamination and growth can cause product deterioration, such as emulsion breakdown, discoloration, and unpleasant odors.

Accordingly, preservatives and antibacterial agents are incorporated into cosmetics to prevent microbial contamination. Apacider is an inorganic antibacterial agent in which metallic silver is supported on calcium phosphate, which hydroxyapatite provides. Apacider fulfills the essential requirements of a preservative, including effectiveness at low concentrations, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, and a high level of safety.

Sources:

1) Ministry of Health and Welfare Notification No. 321, August 8, 1967 (Japan) "Former Designated

　 Ingredients" refers to 103 specific substances (including fragrances) that were required to be listed

　 on  cosmetic product labels under the old Pharmaceutical Affairs Law in Japan prior to its revision

　 on April 1, 2001, due to their potential to cause rare allergic reactions or skin issues.

Currently, in accordance with a directive issued by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on

March 6, 2001, in principle all ingredients in cosmetics must be disclosed.

2) Commission Regulation (EU) No 1004/2014 of 18 September 2014 Amending Annex V to Regulation

　 (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on  cosmetic products, regarding

　 the restriction of certain parabens due to potential endocrine-disrupting  effects.

・ Broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy

・ High level of safety

・ Effective even at low concentrations

・ Minimal impact on the physical properties of the final product

・ Low risk of unpleasant odor or discoloration and fading that may compromise the final product's 　　appearance *

・ Long-lasting antibacterial performance

・ Heat-resistance and stability across a wide temperature range

* Discoloration may occur when Apacider AW-N or C is used in combination with acidic components

　such as  chelating agents (e.g. EDTA-2Na), pH adjusters (e.g. hydrochloric acid), sulfur-containing

　amino acids (e.g.  keratin, cysteine), or their derivatives (e.g. hydrolyzed keratin, acetylcysteine),

　as well as other sulfur-based compounds.