The Truth About Preservatives In Cosmetics (Including Clean Beauty)

The world of clean beauty is in turmoil, and the topic causing so much chaos? Preservatives! While the Environmental Working Group (EWG) “Skin Deep” website rates almost every common preservative as bad, it is important to understand the necessity of these ingredients in personal care products. In this article, we will take a closer look at the importance of preservatives and their role in ensuring the safety and longevity of your favourite beauty and skincare products.

First, let’s take a look at why preservatives are so essential in these types of products.

As we all know, microorganisms and contamination can lead to the growth of mold, fungi, bacteria, and yeast. In turn, this can render beauty products unusable and even harmful, especially when used around the eyes. The presence of essential oils and other ingredients can also act as a food source for bacteria, making preservatives even more crucial to maintaining product safety.

One of the most significant issues is that the term “preservative-free” is often used on products that contain natural preservatives, such as Natricide, which is a blend of essential oils. Since the beauty industry is poorly regulated, manufacturers can easily mislead consumers by labeling preservatives as something else entirely. Therefore, it is important to research products thoroughly before making a purchase.

Now, let's take a look at some of the most common preservatives used in beauty, skincare, and personal care products.

Parabens - Avoid

Parabens have generated a lot of health concerns because they mimic estrogens, which have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive issues. They come in several forms, including methylparaben, propylparaben, and benzylparaben.

Diazolidinyl Urea - Avoid

This preservative acts as a formaldehyde releaser. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and skin toxicant/allergen, which is why it’s best to avoid products that contain this ingredient.

Benzyl Alcohol - Iffy

Benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol that occurs naturally in some essential oils. The EU Cosmetics Directive declares it an ingredient of high concern because it’s a well-recognized consumer allergen.

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) - Iffy

While GSE may seem like a natural option, it is heavily processed, and there is controversy surrounding its antimicrobial efficacy. Several studies have found that the antimicrobial efficacy of GSE was due to it being contaminated with synthetic preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, triclosan, and methylparaben.

Phenoxyethanol - Good

The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety concludes that phenoxyethanol is safe when used as a preservative in concentrations up to 1%.

Sodium Benzoate / Potassium Sorbate - Good

These agents are sometimes used alone, but they are often combined to provide a preservative effect against yeast and mold. They are generally considered safe for use in beauty and personal care products.

Propylene Glycol - Good

Propylene glycol is a penetration enhancer, meaning it can increase the dermal absorption of the other ingredients in a product. It has been found to provoke allergic reactions, but it is otherwise safe to use.

Salicylic Acid - Good

The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety considers salicylic acid to be a safe ingredient when used as a preservative.

Make conscious choices!

While preservatives have their place in beauty and personal care products, it’s important to note that anhydrous (water-free) products do not require them. If you are using a product that contains water, however, preservatives are crucial to maintain its safety and longevity. In the end, it's up to each individual to decide what they are comfortable using in their personal care routine.