Preservatives are added to cosmetic products and make-up to ensure that the products are safe to use for a long period of time. These products contain water, oils, peptides, and carbohydrates which are very good medium for the growth of microbes. Cosmetics contaminated with bacteria and yeasts can cause irritations or infections, especially on damaged or sensitive skin (such as areas around the eyes). In order to prevent this various preservatives are added. The most common preservatives used in beauty products are parabens, phenol derivatives, formaldehyde donors, isothiazolones, and others. Some of these chemicals do not have a very good reputation.
Some natural ingredients, such as plants and extracts, have antimicrobial and antifungal activity and therefore can be used as preservatives in cosmetics and make-up products. Natural preservatives do not ensure such a long shelf life as synthetic ones, but they can extend the products life compared to no preservatives.
Among the most common natural preservatives are:
Vitamin E is an excellent anti-oxidant, and can help prevent degradation of a product. The down side is that it is sensitive to exposure to light and air.
Rosemary extract is a great anti-oxidant.
Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antibiotic, anti-septic and preservative found in skin care products. The extract is produced in a chemical reaction with the use of catalysts and may contain traces of chemicals in it. Therefore it is not as 'natural' as it may sometimes be considered.
Honey is a natural anti-microbial and anti-bacterial product which also has great moisturizing properties.
Sweet orange oil will not only give a beautiful scent to your products, but also kills bacteria and fungi.
The bottom line is that there are natural preservatives out there, and they are effective, but not as much as synthetic preservatives. Natural preservatives don't kill a wide range of bacteria, and the amounts needed are too high and not safe so they are often used with other preservatives.
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