Natural preservatives in cosmetics

If you’re interested in natural cosmetics, you may be skeptical about preservatives in beauty products. But does a product’s shelf life necessarily mean it contains chemical parabens? Is it possible to stay true to nature while still enjoying safe products that will last a long time?

What are preservatives in cosmetics?

Preservatives prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. Therefore, they not only extend the product’s shelf life but also ensure its quality.

Preservatives are constantly monitored, and the list of approved substances is regularly updated. To be approved for use, preservatives must meet a number of requirements, including:

• their effectiveness should be evident at low concentrations, even below 1%,
• must be non-toxic substances that are not absorbed through the skin,
• should not disrupt the natural balance of the bacterial microflora on the skin’s surface.

Can preservatives in cosmetics be dangerous?

So-called parabens are commonly used in popular cosmetics. Although they effectively kill bacteria, their long-term use can be dangerous. Studies indicate that they accumulate under the skin and, as a result, can block lymph nodes and, over time, even lead to breast cancer.

That’s why it’s important to make sure that the preservatives in your cosmetics are derived from natural ingredients. While many manufacturers are quick to use the term “eco-friendly,” only a few can actually boast an organic formula.

What preservatives are used in natural cosmetics?

The ingredients in natural cosmetics cannot undergo chemical processing, which means they require preservatives even more than synthetic cosmetics.

Natural cosmetics typically use plant-based preservatives, but synthetic alternatives are also permitted.

Essential oils and plant extracts are also commonly added; although they are not officially classified as preservatives, they exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties. Vitamins also play an important preservative role, particularly vitamins E and C, due to their antioxidant properties and their ability to prevent oils and fats from going rancid.

The following are considered safe preservatives:

• Sodium benzoate—you’ll find it in apples, cranberries, tea, and blueberries, among other foods.
• Citric acid—a type of acid found in citrus fruits, as well as in strawberries, raspberries, and vegetables.
• Potassium sorbate is derived from the fruit of the European rowan tree.
• Benzyl alcohol – salicylic acid, which is derived from herbs, fruits, and vegetables, with berries being the richest source.

In Phenomé products, however, we use so-called “green” preservatives that have been approved by EcoCert for use in natural cosmetics, which guarantees you the highest quality.

Can natural cosmetics be used after their expiration date?

The expiration date on natural cosmetics isn’t just a meaningless legal requirement—it can protect you from skin reactions. Even the best natural cosmetic won’t benefit your beauty once it’s past its expiration date.

A product’s shelf life depends on its ingredients, manufacturing process, and proper storage. The standard in Europe is 30 months from the date of manufacture. Phenomé cosmetics are best used within six months of opening the package.

In addition to the expiration date printed on the product, you can also tell if a cosmetic product has expired by changes in its texture and scent.

Natural cosmetics will last longer if you follow these simple rules:

• Avoid high temperatures and direct sunlight.
• Apply the product with clean hands or—even better—with a clean spatula.
• Don’t keep too many open beauty products at the same time.