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My Reward PointsPreservation techniques are not contemporary; they have been used since the 14th century. However, preservatives have increased over the years and become an indispensable part of the food we eat. But it's different from the food where preservatives are being used. Skincare formulations also use preservatives to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold in cosmetic products.
Let’s dig deeper and understand the role of natural preservatives in skincare formulations in detail. From discussing what preservatives are to their necessity and types, we will discuss it all.
What are Preservatives?
Preservatives are food additives that play a massive role in making foods laster or taste better. The specific role of preservatives is to help control the deterioration of a product against spoilage from micro-organisms. Generally, preservatives are added to high-risk foods such as meat, seafood, dairy, and cheese to ensure their safety. Without the addition of preservatives, certain foods may turn rancid. Hence, adding preservatives protects the quality of foods and beverages, improves convenience, and lengthens the shelf life.
Why are Preservatives Necessary in Skin Care?
Now, let’s talk about why preservatives are necessary in skincare. Cosmetic products must be preserved to prevent microbial spoilage that would make the product unsafe for consumers. In addition, preservatives also kill microorganisms and prevent the growth of bacteria like yeast and mold. If any cosmetic product contains water like hydrosols, floral water, or aloe juice then a preservative is necessary to help prevent microbes from growing. Different preservatives are used in various products to maximize their effectiveness.
Types of Organic Preservatives for Skin Care Products
When we discuss the types of organic preservatives for skin care products, you have to understand that there are synthetic and natural preservatives for skin care products. Let’s discuss the most prominent ones in detail.
Synthetic Preservatives For Skin Care Products
Synthetic preservatives, like parabens, and triclosan, are widely used but often linked to health concerns such as skin irritation and toxicity. Here are the some ones.
Parabens
It is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare and personal care products. They have been linked to health issues including toxicity, skin irritation, and endocrine disruption.
Triclosan
Triclosan, also known as TCS, is an antibacterial agent used as a preservative in antibacterial soaps, body washes, and some cosmetics.
Diazolidinyl Urea
This is an antimicrobial preservative that releases formaldehyde and acts as a preservative in cosmetic products. According to research studies, it can trigger respiratory issues when inhaled.
Benzalkonium Chloride
Last but not least, it is another preservative sometimes added to certain cosmetic products.
However, we have to say that it is this kind of preservative that has given preservatives a bad reputation in the skincare industry.
Natural Preservatives For Skin Care Products
There are also some healthier choices in preservatives, known as natural preservatives. Here are the most prominent ones.
Natural Phenethyl Alcohol
This one is an all-natural preservative that is derived from corn. It boasts antimicrobial properties and fights yeast, fungi, and mold growth again.
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl alcohol is an almond-scented, aromatic alcohol. Deemed safe for use in foods by the US Food and Drug Administration, benzyl alcohol is an approved preservative under the COSMOS Organic Certification criteria.
Phenoxyethanol
This is a popular natural preservative found in green tea and chicory. It is commonly used in cosmetic products and is often created in labs synthetically.
Potassium Sorbate
This is a salt of sorbic acid and is naturally found in fruits. It is a broad-spectrum preservative deemed safe for usage in organic skincare products.
How to Choose the Right Natural Preservatives for Skin Care Products
You may wonder which natural preservative you should choose for your skincare product. Genuinely there’s no simple answer to this question. It is quite overwhelming to decide which natural preservative blend is suitable for your skin. However, there are three points that you may consider. Those three points are solubility, preservation spectrum, and working pH range. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Solubility
The secret to choosing the proper preservative to add to a product is to ascertain the solubility of the preservative system. For instance, a face toner mostly made of water will not effectively protect itself if an oil-soluble preservative is added.
Preservation Spectrum
Selecting a preservation system that is a broad spectrum—that is, efficient against mold, bacteria, and yeast—is crucial.
Working pH Range
This is the preservative's ideal range; therefore, keep it in mind when formulating if you want your product to have the best possible preservation possibilities. However, it would be best to consider whether the preservative will work well with the product you are creating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preservatives have become necessary in every product we use today. And honestly, no natural preservative can be considered safe for all cosmetic formulations. That’s because preservatives are highly dependent on the type of formulation. So, the best thing you can do is make an informed choice whenever you buy a skincare product. Check the label to determine which preservatives have been used in the product.
