Preserving Beauty: Using Natural Preservatives for Cosmetics

With many using cosmetics on their skin on a daily basis, it is no surprise that more and more people are concerning themselves with formulations and ingredients. In fact, even non-active ingredients like preservatives in formulations are starting to concern consumers. This is where the trend of clean beauty comes in. Clean beauty is essentially the idea of consciously consuming cosmetic products that are made without any known or suspected toxic or harmful substances. With this idea, many are hoping to find preservative-free cosmetics to replace their current product to avoid any possible side effects.

Now, while all commercial cosmetic products should be tested by a health-regulating organization. Clean beauty enthusiasts are concerned about traditional preservatives due to their side effects. In response, many beauty manufacturers are shifting to naturally preserving ingredients. This integration of using natural preservatives for cosmetics can keep their products shelf-stable while minimizing possible side effects. 

Consumers Preservatives Commonly Found In Cosmetics

Preservatives in cosmetic formulations make a product shelf-stable and prevent bacteria from growing over time. Traditional preservatives like Parabens, Formaldehyde, and Isothiazolinones are effective at keeping commercial products fresh and bacteria-free. However, while deemed safe by health regulating organizations, people’s perception of traditional preservatives has been on a steady decline.

Studies show that traditional preservatives prevent cosmetic products from spoiling but have side effects that concern customers.

1. Parabens
   Paraben can be found in an array of sunscreens and hair care products. While FDA-approved as a preservative, Parabens may potentially disrupt hormone levels and the endocrine system
2. Formaldehyde
   Like Parabens, formaldehyde is used to prevent bacteria growth and can help prolong shelf-life. However, Formaldehyde has caused some people to develop rashes or skin allergies when included in cosmetic formulas. Additionally, it has been named a possible carcinogenic by the National Toxicology Program in the United States.
3. Isothiazolinones
   While considered an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal substance, Isothiazolinones in cosmetic products have been linked to the development of dermatitis.

Reformulating with Natural Preservatives for Cosmetics 

Despite the side effects of traditional preservatives, preventing bacteria and fungus is essential for maintaining cosmetic product freshness. Many brands are now using naturally antibacterial, antifungal, or anti-moisture ingredients, which extend shelf life and reduce the risk of consumer reactions.”

Reducing Bacteria with Natural Ingredients

For bacteria to grow anywhere, a certain level of water and moisture is required for them to thrive and multiply. To keep this from happening, natural preservatives for cosmetics are often made of plant-based materials that limit water activity or moisture production within a certain product. With this limitation of moisture production, cosmetic products can have a preservative-free formulation that will be long-lasting, and free of possible risks traditional preservatives pose to its consumer on a daily basis. 

Which Natural Ingredients Preservation Qualities?

1. Pentylene Glycol
   Pentylene Glycol is a compound that is derived from corncob or bagasse that has been found to be a great preservative in cosmetics. The compound has properties that prevent water activity making it antimicrobial. Additionally, products that opt to use pentylene glycol have been shown to be well tolerated by people suffering from skin sensitivity and issues like rosacea.
   
2. Levulinic Acid
   Leuvulinic Acid is known to be a great natural preservative. It helps maintain the pH balance of both active and non-active ingredients found within a cosmetic formulation. It also directly benefits the appearance of skin as it has been found that Levulinic acid can help soften skin when applied. It is similarly derived from sugarcane bagasse and obtained by the process of hydrolysis and distillation.
   
3. Glyceryl Caprylate
   Glyceryl Caprylate can be derived from many different plants such as coconut, palm kernel, or rapeseed oils making it one of the most accessible natural preservatives for cosmetics. Similar to the other two natural preservatives in this list, glyceryl caprylate aids in keeping bacteria growth at bay. This compound is also a well-known emollient that keeps cosmetic formulations homogamous for longer periods of time and prevents them from separating. 

Preserve Your Beauty the natural way with Provital

With many natural preservatives available, consumers no longer need to rely on traditional ones for cosmetic freshness. While traditional preservatives are effective and safe, consumers now prefer natural, side-effect-free ingredients for daily use.

Provital develops preservative-free ingredients, like Altheostem™, using natural preservatives like Pentylene Glycol and Levulinic Acid for shelf stability. This ensures high-quality, well-aging products without traditional preservatives perceived as harmful