Sodium Levulinate Sodium Anisate

• Functions as an emulsion stabilizer, viscosity builder, and opacifier in oil-in-water and water-in-oil systems
• NF (National Formulary) grade — meets recognized purity and quality standards
• Imparts a smooth, non-greasy skin feel and improves spreadability of finished formulations
• Compatible with a wide range of emulsifiers, preservatives, and cosmetic ingredients

Intended Use

Intended for incorporation into creams, lotions, conditioners, balms, and other emulsion-based personal care products as a stabilizing and texturizing ingredient.

Customization Notes

• Adjust usage rate to control viscosity and body in custom formulations — typically used at 1–5% depending on application
• Pairs well with stearyl alcohol, emulsifying waxes, and polysorbates for tailored emulsion systems
• A versatile building block for brand owners developing private label skincare, haircare, or body care lines from scratch

Formulation Reference

• Solubility: Soluble in: water, glycerin, propylene glycol. Dispersible in: alcohol (ethanol).  
• Processing Temperature: Add at: cool-down phase (<140°F / 60°C).  Heat tolerance: up to 140°F / 60°C. Avoid: high heat. 
• Melting Point / Form: Liquid at room temperature. 
• Recommended Phase: Water phase (cool-down) 
• Recommended pH: pH 3.5 – 6.0 

Option 1: Preservation Booster in Creams & Lotions

1. Weigh out Sodium Levulinate and Sodium Anisate at your target usage rate (typically 1.5%–3% of the total batch weight) and set aside.
2. Add to the water phase of your emulsion during the cool-down stage, once the formulation has dropped below 140°F (60°C), stirring gently to incorporate evenly.
3. Confirm the final pH of your finished batch falls within the 3.5–6.0 range, where this blend performs most effectively as a preservative booster alongside your primary preservation system.

Option 2: Post-Add in Water-Based Serums & Toners

1. Prepare your aqueous serum or toner base and allow it to cool to below 140°F (60°C) before adding preservation system ingredients.
2. Stir in Sodium Levulinate and Sodium Anisate at 1.5%–3% of batch weight, mixing thoroughly until fully dispersed throughout the water phase.
3. Measure final pH and adjust if needed, then perform a short stability check before packaging to confirm the preservation system remains effective in the final formulation.

Option 3: Preservation Support in Shampoos & Conditioners

1. Incorporate Sodium Levulinate and Sodium Anisate into the water phase of your cleansing or conditioning formulation during the cool-down phase, below 140°F (60°C).
2. Use at 1.5%–3% of batch weight alongside your selected primary preservative system to support broad-spectrum protection in the finished product.
3. Adjust final pH to the 3.5–6.0 range and verify the system remains compatible with any anionic surfactants or conditioning agents present in the formula before scaling to production.

Option 4: To Add to a Finished Base

To add Sodium Levulinate and Sodium Anisate to a finished cosmetic product, stir this water-soluble liquid blend into the base during a cool-down stage below 60 C / 140 F to avoid high heat. Pre-blend it into a small amount of the water phase or a humectant such as glycerin to help it disperse evenly before mixing into the full product. Use it at a typical level of around 2% to 4% of the finished formula. Since it performs best in a slightly acidic system, confirm the final pH sits within the 3.5 to 6.0 range and check that the product stays uniform and clear after mixing.

INCI: Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate

Warning Statements: 

For external use in cosmetic and personal care formulations only. Not for ingestion. Avoid direct contact with eyes. Handle using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and lab coat. Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Follow all applicable GMP guidelines when formulating and conducting stability and microbial testing. 

Technical Specs: 

• Appearance: Clear, colorless to light yellow liquid 
• Suggested Usage Rate: 2-4% 
• Functions: Skin Conditioning, Masking, pH Adjusting 
• CAS Number: 19856-23-6 / 536-45-8 
• Preserved With: Not applicable