The present invention relates to a composition comprising (a) an alkali metal salt and/or an alkaline earth metal salt of a C4 to C10 oxocarboxylic acid and (b) an alkali metal salt and/or an alkaline earth metal salt of an unsaturated or aromatic C6 to C10 carboxylic acid, wherein (a) is present in an amount of 20 to 95 wt.-%, based on the total mass of the composition, and (b) is present in an amount of 5 to 50 wt.-%, based on the total mass of the composition, wherein the composition is present in the form of a powder, methods of its manufacture and its use for inhibiting microbial growth in cosmetic, dermatological or personal care compositions.
