Teach Soap

efficient Broad-spectrum fungicide, inhibition of HIV virus, cytomegalovirus, HerpesVirus, influenza virus and a large number of bacteria and protozoa. The antibacterial effect is not affected by PH, superior (to) Sorbic acid, Benzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters.
http://www.wiki86.com/view/727535.htm
As I suspected, it appears to be an excellent preservative. And safe; it is used in many baked products and also in infant formula. According to the above Wiki, superior as a preservative to potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate and not affected by pH as those are. Of course, because it is not water soluble it will only be of use in emulsions, not in shampoos for instance. I am definitely going to include this in our Rescue cream.

I don't think it's available to crafters in the US.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I bought mine from the USA (Amazon.com)
Lauricidin from Med-Chem Labs, Inc.

how much of this would you use in a formulation? I would presume that you would use it in body butters and such since you mention it's not water soluble.

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~Shell

I wonder if anyone in the US has done any challenge testing on this. I usually go for the tried and true.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

This product is NOT intended for use as a preservative. According to the company web site, it is a [health] supplement. And I am sorry, but I refuse to think any supplement is capable of doing all that!

From their web site;
"Why use LAURICIDIN®?

Promote a Strong Immune Defense* – Lauricidin® supports a healthy and hardy immune system*- a strong defense even when you feel that your immunity is challenged*.
A Gut Instinct – Helps maintain a normal, healthy balance of intestinal flora* and yeast*.
Absorbs Cleanly by the Body – Pure lipid monolaurin is a naturally occurring monoglyceride metabolized directly by the liver unlike other saturated fats. It is not re-converted into inactive triglycerides.
Cost-Effective – Lauricidin® is significantly more cost-effective than other competing brands. You may need to take 18-30 capsules a day, or 12 tablespoons or more of coconut oil per day to equal the amount of monolaurin found in the recommended use of Lauricidin®.

ETA: "...We have not conducted a controlled study, but we have seen a large number of anecdotal cases wherein Lauricidin seemed to be quite helpful. In so far as Lauricidin has not shown us any adverse clinical reactions, and it is a very low cost nutritional supplement"

And finally, at the bottom of their website;
"*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

DISCLAIMER: NOTHING IN THIS WEBSITE IS INTENDED AS, OR SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS, MEDICAL ADVICE. CONSUMERS SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS FOR INDIVIDUAL, MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS. THE INFORMATION IN THIS WEBSITE CONCERNS A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT, AN OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCT THAT IS NOT A DRUG. OUR DIETARY SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED FOR USE AS A MEANS TO CURE, TREAT, PREVENT, DIAGNOSE, OR MITIGATE ANY DISEASE OR OTHER MEDICAL OR ABNORMAL CONDITION.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

Thanks Tammy.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I will probably use it as part of the emulsifier system. It probably has a low HLB value similar to glycerol monostearate. (Discussed this with a chemist last night). I'll probably use it at quite a low percentage, maybe 0.5% but I won't reduce the existing preservative system. It's a very safe product found in comestibles - it is used in bread.