IV Plus 184
Nature-Like Preservative
INCI: Maltol (and) Didecyldimonium Chloride · CAS 118-71-8 / 7173-51-5 · Cosmetic Grade · White Crystallized Powder
IV Plus 184 is a patented, nature-inspired broad-spectrum preservative designed for modern personal care formulations. Made from two well-characterized actives — Maltol and Didecyldimonium Chloride — it delivers powerful antimicrobial protection against bacteria, mold, and yeast at a low use level of just 0.5–0.7%.
Unlike many traditional preservatives, IV Plus 184 works independently of pH, making it highly versatile across a wide range of formulas. It dissolves easily in water, processes without heat stress, and remains physically stable across both rinse-off and leave-on formula types — tested for 6 weeks at 25°C and 45°C with no change in properties.
Clinically confirmed non-irritant at 1.5% — triple the recommended dose.
| INCI Name | CAS | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Maltol | 118-71-8 | Masking, Tonic |
| Didecyldimonium Chloride | 7173-51-5 | Cationic surfactant / antimicrobial |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystallized powder |
| Odour | Characteristic |
| pH (1% solution) | 5.4 |
| Solubility | Water soluble — 10.9 mg/mL at 15°C |
| Working pH range | 3–9 |
| Max processing temperature | Up to 75°C |
| Shelf life | 12 months |
| Storage | Cool, dry, well-ventilated — keep tightly closed, away from ignition sources |
| Microorganism | Type | ATCC | MIC (ppm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staphylococcus aureus | Gram+ | 6538 | <50 |
| Escherichia coli | Gram− | 8739 | <50 |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Gram− | 9027 | 100 |
| Aspergillus brasiliensis | Mold | 16404 | 100 |
| Candida albicans | Yeast | 10231 | <50 |
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Leave-on creams, lotions, serums | 0.5–0.7% |
| Rinse-off cleansers, shampoos, body wash | 0.5–0.7% |
| Wet wipes | 0.5–0.7% |
| Conditioners and hair care | 0.5–0.7% |
- Add IV Plus 184 to the aqueous phase of your formula
- Incorporate at 50–60°C while stirring — do not exceed 75°C
- Continue stirring until the powder is fully dissolved before combining phases
- Use at 0.5–0.7% of total formula weight for full preservative efficacy
- Adjust final formula pH to the 3–9 range for optimal performance
Compatible with anionic, nonionic, and cationic ingredients. Physically stable in SLES/CAPB-based transparent formulas, SLES-free surfactant systems, and neutral leave-on facial creams — all tested for 6 weeks at 25°C and 45°C without any change in properties.
IV Plus 184 was evaluated for acute cutaneous tolerance on adult subjects at 1.5% — three times the recommended use level — in a leave-on cream using a single patch test method over 48 hours.
Conclusion: Non-irritant. Safe for leave-on application even at triple the recommended concentration.
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Working at scale? We go beyond 10 lb. Reach out and let's talk — support@inci-vault.com
IV Plus 184 (INCI: Maltol and Didecyldimonium Chloride) is a patented, nature-like broad spectrum preservative powder used in personal care formulations requiring protection against bacteria, mold, and yeast across a wide pH range.
- Broad spectrum preservative for leave-on skincare — creams, lotions, serums (0.5–0.7%)
- Suitable for rinse-off formulas — shampoos, body washes, liquid soaps (0.5–0.7%)
- Compatible with wet wipe formulations
- Non-pH dependent — effective from pH 3 to 9 without adjustment
- Water soluble powder — adds easily to the aqueous phase at 50–60°C
- Passes USP/EP Category 1 challenge test criteria at 0.5%
- Clinically confirmed non-irritant at 1.5% (triple the recommended dose)
- Approved for use in the USA, Europe, and Korea
- Compatible with SLES, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Carbopol, and more
| What is IV Plus 184 used for?A patented broad spectrum preservative for leave-on, rinse-off, and wet wipe personal care formulations. Protects against bacteria, mold, and yeast at 0.5–0.7%. |
| Is IV Plus 184 paraben-free?Yes. IV Plus 184 contains no parabens. Its actives are Maltol and Didecyldimonium Chloride — a nature-like, patented preservative system. |
| What pH does IV Plus 184 work at?Non-pH dependent — delivers efficacy across a broad range from pH 3 to 9, making it suitable for most cosmetic formula types. |
| Can it be used in rinse-off products?Yes. Tested and passing in anionic rinse-off surfactant-based formulas at 0.5%, including SLES/CAPB systems and SLES-free systems. |
| Is IV Plus 184 safe for leave-on skincare?Yes. Clinically evaluated at 1.5% (triple the recommended dose) in a leave-on cream via 48-hour patch test. Conclusion: non-irritant. |
| How do I add IV Plus 184 to a formula?Add to the aqueous phase at 50–60°C while stirring until fully dissolved. Use at 0.5–0.7% of total formula weight. Max temperature: 75°C. |
| Is IV Plus 184 approved in the USA?Yes. Approved for cosmetic use in the USA, Europe, and Korea for leave-on, rinse-off, and wet wipe formulas. |
Note: IV Plus 184 is recommended for formulations requiring reliable broad spectrum protection without pH dependency. For best results, dissolve fully in the aqueous phase before combining with other phases. At 0.5%, it meets USP/EP Category 1 criteria in both anionic and nonionic systems.
