Microcare® SBCT

The SDS lists the composition as:

• > 25% sodium benzoate
• 5–10% potassium sorbate
• 5–10% cetrimonium chloride

Due to the leave-on limit of 0.25% for cetrimonium chloride, I expect Microcare® SBCT contains no more than 8.33% cetrimonium chloride given the January 2023 maximum usage level of 3% for Microcare® SBCT.

The manufacturer recommends Microcare® SBCT for use in emulsions (hair conditioners, moisturizing creams, body milks), surfactant systems (shampoos, hand washes, bath gels), aqueous formulations, lip products (lipsticks), and eye products (mascara, eyeliners).

As of April 2025 I have not used Microcare® SBCT so I cannot offer hands-on insights, though I have used its component ingredients.

Sodium Benzoate (and) Potassium Sorbate (and) Cetrimonium Chloride (and) Aqua

Clear yellow-to-brown liquid

A January 2023 document from THOR says 1–3%; a July 2023 document from THOR says 0.5–1.2%.

“Microcare® SBCT is limited in Europe up to 1,25% (acid).”

“Mild” (as per the SDS)—though another manufacturer document says it has no scent.

8.7–9.7

• 3–5 (PDF from July 2023)
• 4.5–5, though 5–5.5 could work in some situations (PDF from January 2023)
• “The combination of these three actives allows to work up to a slightly acidic  pH. (max of 6)”

As both potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are very pH dependent, I would aim for ≤5.

Cationic (due to the cetrimonium chloride)

“Readily miscible in water, ethanol and glycerine at max. recommended level.”

Microcare® SBCT protects our products from microbial spoilage.

No; there are other, easier-to-get preserfative options.

This ingredient only exists as a refined product.

Water soluble preservative with a pretty “friendly” INCI. Potassium sorbate & sodium benzoate are natural, cetrimonium chloride is not.

I haven’t found it for sale to home crafters anywhere, and some of the data on how to use it conflicts.

Please read this FAQ.

Microcare® SBCT is heat tolerant up to 80°C; the manufacturer says it can be included pre or post emulsification, but does recommend it is added once the formulation is below 40°C (104°F).

Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, the minimum shelf life is 24 months from production date.

I haven’t used this preservative, but I do have all of the component ingredients, and as of October 2025 I’ve made one emulsion preserved with a DIY blend of them. The emulsion has a pH of 4.73 and has remained stable for over 8 months (so far!).

I was interested to find similarly-composed Sharomix™ AM720 (INCI: Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Didecyldimonium Chloride, Water) in my research.

30g (1.06oz) – 50g (1.76oz)

I have not found this preservative for sale to home crafters anywhere, but the component ingredients are relatively readily available, so you might try creating your own.