At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about Geogard ECT (benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, glycerin, and sorbic acid). Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
Please note: Preservatives protect water-containing products from bacteria, yeast, and mold. They do not treat the skin or prevent infection on the skin. Every ORY® water-based formula should pass a preservative efficacy (challenge) test, such as USP <51> or ISO 11930, before sale.
Trade name: Geogard® ECT is a trademark of Arxada (formerly part of Lonza). On ORY® labels, it appears by its ingredient names: Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Sorbic Acid. The salicylic acid is present as a preservative at low levels; ORY® products preserved with it are not acne treatments.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Geogard® ECT is a preservative blend of benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, and glycerin. In ORY® products, it helps protect natural-positioned water-based formulas with a pH of 6 or lower from bacteria, yeast, and mold. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded benzyl alcohol and sorbic acid are safe as used, and salicylic acid is safe when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. CIR has not reviewed this trade blend as a whole.
Citations:
- Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid and its salts, and benzyl benzoate. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 5S–30S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817728996
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of benzyl alcohol.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2003). Safety assessment of salicylic acid, butyloctyl salicylate, calcium salicylate, … and tridecyl salicylate. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 3), 1–108 (amended assessment: Johnson, W., Jr., Zhu, J., et al. (2025), Amended safety assessment of salicylic acid and salicylates as used in cosmetics, International Journal of Toxicology — safe when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251389456
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of salicylic acid.
- Elder, R. L. (Ed.). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(6), 837–880. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809078711
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of sorbic acid.
- Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid and its salts, and benzyl benzoate. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 5S–30S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817728996
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Benzyl alcohol is the main antibacterial part; salicylic acid and sorbic acid add activity against yeast and mold; glycerin is the carrier. Typical use is 0.6–1.0%, and it works best at pH 5.5 or lower. |
Verification: Supported. Composition is from supplier data. Its natural-certification status (ECOCERT/COSMOS) is a supplier certification.
Citations:
- Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid and its salts, and benzyl benzoate. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 5S–30S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817728996
- What it shows: Describes benzyl alcohol.
- Elder, R. L. (Ed.). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(6), 837–880. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809078711
- What it shows: pH dependence of sorbic acid.
- Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid and its salts, and benzyl benzoate. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 5S–30S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817728996
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: At its use level, Geogard® ECT is suitable for most skin types. People with fragrance allergy or aspirin allergy should patch test or avoid it. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Benzyl alcohol causes allergy in a small share of patch-tested patients. Salicylic acid can sting sensitive skin.
Citations:
- Uter, W., Geier, J., Frosch, P., & Schnuch, A. (2010). Contact allergy to fragrances: Current patch test results (2005–2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology. Contact Dermatitis, 63(5), 254–261. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01759.x
- What it shows: Patch test data for fragrance allergens, including benzyl alcohol.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2003). Safety assessment of salicylic acid, butyloctyl salicylate, calcium salicylate, … and tridecyl salicylate. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 3), 1–108 (amended assessment: Johnson, W., Jr., Zhu, J., et al. (2025), Amended safety assessment of salicylic acid and salicylates as used in cosmetics, International Journal of Toxicology — safe when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251389456
- What it shows: Salicylic acid irritation data.
- Uter, W., Geier, J., Frosch, P., & Schnuch, A. (2010). Contact allergy to fragrances: Current patch test results (2005–2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology. Contact Dermatitis, 63(5), 254–261. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01759.x
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, Geogard® ECT protects water-based shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, and scalp products from microbial growth. It has no direct effect on hair. |
Verification: Supported. This is a formulation role; ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
- What it shows: Review of cosmetic preservation.
- Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
5. Benefits
Claim: Geogard® ECT helps keep acidic water-based products free of harmful microbial growth. |
Verification: Supported. Preservatives protect the product, not the skin. Salicylic acid at 0.5–2% is an FDA acne drug ingredient; at preservative levels, with no acne claims, the product remains a cosmetic, and ORY® does not claim exfoliating or acne benefits from this preservative.
Citations:
- Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
- What it shows: Review of preservation.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- What it shows: FDA acne drug rule (salicylic acid 0.5–2%).
- Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Geogard® ECT is used in ORY® Skincare, Haircare, and Cosmetics with a pH of 6 or lower, and in acidic cleansers. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. It is not suitable for true (alkaline) liquid soap, and cold-process bars do not need it. The EU limits salicylic acid as a preservative and restricts it in products for children under 3 (except shampoos), so ORY® does not use it in products for young children.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.6–1.0% | Natural creams, lotions, serums, toners, gels, and masks (pH 3–6). |
| Haircare | 0.8–1.0% | Shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, and curl creams (pH 4.5–6). |
| Handmade Soap line | 0.8–1.0% | Acidic syndet or cream cleansers only (not alkaline liquid soap or cold-process bars). |
| Cosmetics | 0.6–1.0% | Natural foundations, BB creams, primers, and setting sprays (not for children under 3). |
Citations:
- European Union. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Annex V (allowed preservatives), including entry 56 (iodopropynyl butylcarbamate) and entry 3 (salicylic acid), with use limits and conditions. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02009R1223-20240424
- What it shows: EU preservative limits.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2003). Safety assessment of salicylic acid, butyloctyl salicylate, calcium salicylate, … and tridecyl salicylate. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 3), 1–108 (amended assessment: Johnson, W., Jr., Zhu, J., et al. (2025), Amended safety assessment of salicylic acid and salicylates as used in cosmetics, International Journal of Toxicology — safe when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251389456
- What it shows: Salicylic acid safety.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- European Union. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Annex V (allowed preservatives), including entry 56 (iodopropynyl butylcarbamate) and entry 3 (salicylic acid), with use limits and conditions. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02009R1223-20240424
7. Pros
Claim: A natural-standard preservative made from CIR-reviewed components. |
Verification: Supported. Each component has a CIR safety conclusion.
Citations:
- Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid and its salts, and benzyl benzoate. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 5S–30S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817728996
- What it shows: Safety.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2003). Safety assessment of salicylic acid, butyloctyl salicylate, calcium salicylate, … and tridecyl salicylate. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 3), 1–108 (amended assessment: Johnson, W., Jr., Zhu, J., et al. (2025), Amended safety assessment of salicylic acid and salicylates as used in cosmetics, International Journal of Toxicology — safe when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251389456
- What it shows: Safety.
- Elder, R. L. (Ed.). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(6), 837–880. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809078711
- What it shows: Safety.
- Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid and its salts, and benzyl benzoate. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 5S–30S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817728996
8. Cons
Claim: Geogard® ECT depends on pH and contains a fragrance allergen and a salicylate. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- pH-dependent. Loses antifungal power above pH 6.
- Benzyl alcohol. A known fragrance allergen; the EU requires it to be labeled above set levels, and FDA has proposed but not finalized a U.S. allergen-labeling rule.
- Salicylic acid. Counts toward salicylate limits; not for children under 3; caution with aspirin allergy.
- Discoloration. Sorbic acid may yellow in light.
- Challenge testing needed. Efficacy must be confirmed in each formula.
Citations:
- Uter, W., Geier, J., Frosch, P., & Schnuch, A. (2010). Contact allergy to fragrances: Current patch test results (2005–2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology. Contact Dermatitis, 63(5), 254–261. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01759.x
- What it shows: Allergy.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
- What it shows: MoCRA fragrance-allergen labeling.
- Uter, W., Geier, J., Frosch, P., & Schnuch, A. (2010). Contact allergy to fragrances: Current patch test results (2005–2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology. Contact Dermatitis, 63(5), 254–261. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01759.x
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates, or to benzyl alcohol.
- Not for products intended for children under 3.
- Water-based products are only as safe as their preservation. Keep lids closed, do not add water to the product, and discard it if it changes color, smell, or texture.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2003). Safety assessment of salicylic acid, butyloctyl salicylate, calcium salicylate, … and tridecyl salicylate. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 3), 1–108 (amended assessment: Johnson, W., Jr., Zhu, J., et al. (2025), Amended safety assessment of salicylic acid and salicylates as used in cosmetics, International Journal of Toxicology — safe when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251389456
- What it shows: Salicylic acid safety.
- Uter, W., Geier, J., Frosch, P., & Schnuch, A. (2010). Contact allergy to fragrances: Current patch test results (2005–2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology. Contact Dermatitis, 63(5), 254–261. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01759.x
- What it shows: Allergy.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2003). Safety assessment of salicylic acid, butyloctyl salicylate, calcium salicylate, … and tridecyl salicylate. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 3), 1–108 (amended assessment: Johnson, W., Jr., Zhu, J., et al. (2025), Amended safety assessment of salicylic acid and salicylates as used in cosmetics, International Journal of Toxicology — safe when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251389456
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY® Handmade Soap line: Cold-process bars contain very little free water and do not need this preservative. It is used only in liquid soaps, cream soaps, and water-containing syndet products; syndet and cream products are cosmetics under FDA rules, not soap, and list all of their ingredients.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2003). Safety assessment of salicylic acid, butyloctyl salicylate, calcium salicylate, … and tridecyl salicylate. International Journal of Toxicology, 22(Suppl 3), 1–108 (amended assessment: Johnson, W., Jr., Zhu, J., et al. (2025), Amended safety assessment of salicylic acid and salicylates as used in cosmetics, International Journal of Toxicology — safe when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251389456
- Elder, R. L. (Ed.). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(6), 837–880. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809078711
- Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2017). Safety assessment of benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid and its salts, and benzyl benzoate. International Journal of Toxicology, 36(3 Suppl), 5S–30S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581817728996
- Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
- Uter, W., Geier, J., Frosch, P., & Schnuch, A. (2010). Contact allergy to fragrances: Current patch test results (2005–2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology. Contact Dermatitis, 63(5), 254–261. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01759.x
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- European Union. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Annex V (allowed preservatives), including entry 56 (iodopropynyl butylcarbamate) and entry 3 (salicylic acid), with use limits and conditions. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02009R1223-20240424
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
