The need to control microbial activity is inherent in two major facets of personal care, namely, antimicrobial care wherein the product helps to retard the growth of topical pathogens or eliminates them, and preservatives that retard the growth of microbes in personal care product formulations. In recent years, there has been increased dialogue related to natural antimicrobials as topical actives and preservatives in the personal care industry. Synthetic compounds long accepted as effective in controlling microbial growth have come under scientific and regulatory scrutiny. These efforts are mainly driven by safety and environmental concerns, and the increased incidence of antibiotic resistant microbial strains. Natural alternatives derived from botanicals are therefore being explored by researchers across the world.
