| What is it? | TRIstat® ECO is a natural preservative made by TRI-K Industries, Inc.
It is composed of approximately:
The data sheet indicates TRIstat® ECO contains a minimum of 38% glyceryl monoesters (glyceryl caprylate and glyceryl undecylenate). TRIstat® ECO is part of the TRIstat® line of preservatives made by TRI-K Industries, Inc. Do not assume anything with “TRIstat®” in the name is TRIstat® ECO! |
| INCI |
Benzyl Alcohol (and) Glyceryl Caprylate (and) Glyceryl Undecylenate |
| Appearance |
Clear liquid |
| Usage rate |
1–2% |
| Scent |
Distinct marzipan/almond smell. Stronger smelling than Geogard® ECT, but without the chemical note Geogard® ECT has. |
| pH |
5 |
| Effective pH |
4–8 |
| Charge |
Non-ionic |
| Solubility |
Very soluble in alcohol, glycerin, glycols and polar oils. Very slightly soluble in water. |
| Why do we use it in formulations? |
To keep mould/fungus/yeast etc. from taking over and ruining our formulations, and to boost emolliency. |
| Do you need it? |
No; there are other easier-to-get natural preservative options that I’d recommend getting first. |
| Refined or unrefined? |
This ingredient only exists as a refined product. |
| Strengths | Broad effective pH range (especially for a natural preservative), high-ish maximum temperature, has some emollient/re-fatting properties from the glyceryl monoesters. |
| Weaknesses |
Limited water solubility, strong marzipan scent. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions |
Look at other benzyl alcohol based natural preservatives; Geogard® ECT (INCI: Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Sorbic Acid) or Euxyl™ k 903 (INCI: Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tocopherol) would be my first two choices. Ensure you are adjusting usage rates as needed as they don’t all have identical recommended usage rates. |
| How to Work with It |
TRIstat® ECO can be included in heated phases if kept below 80°C. If using TRIstat® ECO to preserve a non-emulsified formulation, pre-mix with glycol/glycerin, alcohol, or solubilizer/surfactant and test over time to ensure it remains solubilized in the formulation. At the end of formulating, ensure pH is in 4–8 range; I’d personally aim for 4.5–5.5 in most situations. |
| Storage & Shelf Life |
Store below 25°C (77°F). Shelf life of 2 years. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks |
Strong marizpan scent; could be a good choice to pair with plum oil because they smell very similar. Could blend nicely with more gourmand scents. |
| Recommended starter amount |
1–2 fl oz (30–60 ml) |
| Where to Buy it |
Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier. |
Want to learn more about preservatives and compare them? Check out this chart!