A Natural, safe, highly effective, preservative-free alternative, eco-friendly

E-Polylysine (ε-PL) is a homopolymer consisting of 25 to 35 L-lysine residues, produced naturally by fermentation. It is formed by linking the ε-amino group of one L-lysine (an essential amino acid for humans) to the α-carboxyl group of another L-lysine via an ε-amide bond. 

 ε-PL’s multiple -NH2 groups enable it to electrostatically bind to negatively charged microbial membranes, disrupting ionic balance and osmotic pressure, thereby killing the microbes.

1. Natural, mild and safe

ε-PL is obtained by fermentation. Natural source, with a natural index of 100% according to ISO 16128.

ε-PL is approved by the U.S. FDA as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). 

ε-PL can be broken down by enzyme in the skin into L-amino acids that are beneficial to the skin. No irritating or heating sensation that may caused by some other preservatives. 

 2. Highly effective

2.1 ε-PL has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, particularly more effective against bacteria, with very low MIC values.

Antimicrobial activity of ε-PL

 ε-PL has a strong inhibitory effect on both contaminating bacteria in formulations and pathogens that can cause skin inflammation and other issues. Maintain the stability of the formulation and the health of the skin.

2.2 ε-PL can enhance the preservative efficacy of HAP(hydroxyacetophenone). 

The preservative challenge test results for a high-water formulation over 28 days are as follows:

Conclusion: Both ε-PL and Phenoxyethanol can assist HAP in rapidly inhibiting bacteria within 7 days, protecting the formulation.

Moreover, ε-PL offers a natural replacement with lower risk of the irritation and warming sensation often caused by Phenoxyethanol.

2.3 Effective preservation even for natural high-water formulation

Prepare fresh cucumber water formulations with and without 0.1% UNIBIO_ E-POLYLYSINE. After 6 weeks at room temperature, the appearance is as follows,

Results: After 6 weeks, the Control formula without UNIBIO_ E-POLYLYSINE turned cloudy, while the Sample with 0.1% UNIBIO_ E-POLYLYSINE remained clear.

Conclusion: 0.1% UNIBIO_ E-POLYLYSINE provides effective preservation.

3. Functional preservation, beyond preservation

3.1 hBD3 (a human antimicrobial peptide) is a key skin defense factor that kills microbes, regulates skin immunity, and repairs barriers. It also can effectively inhibits C. acnes (acne) and Malassezia (dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis).

Results: Human keratinocyte tests, 0.001%ε-PL is effective; 0.1%ε-PL increases hBD3 production 20-fold.

Conclusion: ε-PL can significantly induce the skin to produce hBD3, thereby enhancing the skin's natural defense capability, maintaining skin homeostasis.

3.2 ε-PL’s amino-rich structure absorbs water and forms a film to lock in moisture, providing skin moisturization. 

3.3 Its charged amino group can reduce static electricity and help prevent hair frizz.

4. Easy to apply

It is water-soluble, heat-resistant(80℃ for 60 minutes), pH-tolerant(5-8). 

It can be widely used in personal care products such as skincare products, facial cleansers, hair products, baby wipes, and antibacterial gels,etc.

INCI: POLYEPSILON-LYSINE

CAS：28211-04-3

MOLECULAR STRUCTURE：

Why Choose UNIBIO_ E-POLYLYSINE?

1.Natural source, with a natural index of 100% according to ISO 16128.

2.Broad-spectrum and highly effective, an alternative to cosmetic preservatives.

3.Functional preservation, beyond preservation.

4.Easy to apply, water-soluble, heat-resistant, and pH-tolerant.  

5.Safe and non-irritating, a GRAS-certified ingredient.

6.100% biodegradable and eco-friendly.