Here at the Beauty Brains, we get asked about preservatives in cosmetics all the time. People wonder why compounds with potential safety issues like formaldehyde or parabens are used. Should they use self-preserving cosmetics? They also ask why cosmetic companies don’t get rid of preservatives.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could? Cosmetic chemists, cosmetic manufacturers and certainly cosmetic
marketers would love to get rid of preservatives. Unfortunately, the disease-causing microbes would love it too. There are some companies that offer preservative free products
7 Reasons Preservative Free Cosmetics are Rare
1. Preservative free cosmetics don’t last as long.
A standard cosmetic can have a shelf life of 1 or even 2 years or more. This is great for those products you have stuffed in your medicine cabinet or bathroom drawers. You can feel confident that if you open them up tomorrow you won’t get Tetanus or Gangrene. A preservative-free cosmetic won’t last more than a couple of weeks. It’ll spoil just about as fast as milk and become dangerous.
2. Because they need to be refrigerated
Unless it is put in some special packaging, preservative free cosmetics need to be refrigerated to keep them safe. You wouldn’t eat fish you left out on the counter overnight so you shouldn’t use unpreserved cosmetics that haven’t been refrigerated either. This refrigeration step is a huge inconvenience for people so manufacturers just don’t think people will want to do it. Consumer research has proven them right.
3. Because they can easily get contaminated
You know how there is the common, good advice that you shouldn’t share your cosmetics with anyone? Do you know why? Because each time you use cosmetics, you expose yourself to microbial contamination. Even when there are preservatives the microbes can live in small numbers. Your body is used to your bacteria but other people may not be. Preservative free cosmetics are even more prone to contamination and can pick up any sinister microbe that happens to be floating in the air. When people get sick using cosmetics, it’s bad for product’s manufacturer.
4. Because they are more expensive to make
It is possible to make preservative free cosmetics. You can use special packaging or make them anhydrous (water-free). Unfortunately, both of these options can double, triple, or quadruple the cost for manufacturing. And while most people don’t mind spending $5 on a lip balm, spending $20 for the same thing that is merely preservative free is harder to get them to accept. The other problem is that these cosmetics typically don’t work as well. They are more greasy, sticky and just less appealing.
5. Because natural preservatives don’t work as well
One strategy for creating preservative free cosmetics is to use natural preservatives. Technically the products aren’t preservative free but from an advertising and legal standpoint, they are. In the EU there is a list of ingredients you can use for product preservation. If you don’t use any of those ingredients, you can call yourself “preservative free”. Unfortunately, as this article points out, natural preservatives do not work as well as the standard ones.
6. Because natural preservatives aren’t approved
The article also points out the second major problem with natural preservatives. They are too expensive to get approved. A natural preservative manufacturer would have to spend millions of dollars on their new ingredient and there is no guarantee it would get on the approved list of preservatives. No company wants to take that chance. Therefore, don’t look for natural preservatives anytime soon.
7. Because preserved cosmetics are safe
Probably the most important reason you don’t see more preservative free cosmetics is because the preserved products work great and are perfectly safe. True, some of the compounds used to preserve products can be nasty stuff but when used at low enough levels they are harmless. Cosmetic marketers just don’t find people willing enough to spend extra money for a benefit that is imperceptible. And if people aren’t going to buy the product, cosmetic companies aren’t going to make it.
Are you concerned about preservatives in your cosmetics? Leave a comment and let the Beauty Brains community know.
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I know, I tried to purchase some natural porducts last year, but found they went “off” very quickly and I had to bin most of it. I would really like to go more natural, but it’s expensive and difficult!
Imperceptible. Sorry.
*backs out of Annoying Pedant mode*
—-edit. All fixed! Thanks.
I understand, but what about companies like Boscia who say they’re preservative free (besides the usual and obvious answer that: they’re simply lying?)
Tetanus and gangrene aren’t very good examples, because the bacteria that cause them are anaerobic. They wouldn’t reproduce well in an open container or on skin.
Thanks for the very informative post on preservatives. There are numerous companies who choose to make water-free products that keep quite well and are not necessarily as expensive as you imply.
I’ve always found it annoying when you buy a product that has “aqua” or “water” as one of the first ingredients.
I find all the talk about ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ cosmetics really galling and disingenuous. It really just strikes me as green-washing. I just don’t get *why* ‘organic’ is meant to be better. Is it meant to be better for the environment? If so, why are so many ‘organic’ products swathed in layers of packaging? Is it meant to be better for your skin? Personally, I’d rather use something that wasn’t contaminated with bacteria.
As far as my skin is concerned all it wants is to be kept clean, hydrated and protected from sun exposure. It hates irritating, volatile plant oils. The only time I’ve ever had a strong reaction to a skincare product was with something ‘natural.’
Okay, end rant! This is a great article, thanks.
What about the Body shops Aloe products? They say they’re preservative-free and the aloe very they’re using is ground into a powder that preserves itself. Any insight into how that works or if it works at all? Or do I have to store my Body Shop Aloe line in the refrigerator and use within two days?
Very informative post. With it being “green” month, a lot of people are feeling the pressure of going green, without really understanding the science behind the beauty. Thanks.
Great post. As a former hairstylist and soap maker I know all too well that if you don’t get that perservative ratio just right it can spell trouble.
Emily mentioned that there are products out there that don’t use water so they keep well on their own. That’s well and fine as long as you, the end user, also keeps water out of it entirely. Hard to do with a shower gel, no?
I think what it boils down to is–is a little preservative really that bad? If so then maybe you should stick to straight cold processed soaps and skip the bath goodies and make up all together.
Many people I talk to about the Paraben Free products, say they are doing it for hormone regulation reasons, or to cut down on the harmful preservatives cuz everything has it. Can we really get too many of these parabens in our system to disrupt our hormones and/or creat a toxic body system??
This article is ridiculous. It sounds like an add for the big cosmetic industry/ corporations. We’ve been fooled into believing that the more chemicals the better. Eat them, apply them all over your skin, spread them all over your house, spray your lawn with pesticides…but you’ll be just “fine” because they are safe. And about the growing cancer rates, asthma and allergies? Hmmm…How about the high doses of parabens isolated from breast tumors? Really, it is common sense to try and reduce exposure to preservatives and chemicals. But this article does not seem to have any common sense. It’s insane to suggest that you can get tetanus from cosmetics gone bad!
Thanks for your input. Do you have anything to back up your assertion that cancer rates are rising? Any proof from legitimate scientific resources?
Perhaps the suggestion that you get tetanus was a bit over the top, but the problem of contaminated cosmetics causing problems is real. Problems with contaminated cosmetics
I fail to see the lack of common sense. You provide no proof of anything you say and merely launch insults. We have no love for big cosmetic companies. But small cosmetic companies peddle junk science and fear just so they can convince people to buy their product.
We here at the Beauty Brains focus on science. And the science says that using preservatives in cosmetics is safer than not using them. You engage in a common “straw man” logical fallacy when you imply that we said that more chemicals are better. I never said that and don’t believe it.
Parabens were also isolated from non-tumorous breast tissue. They also found water in breast tumors. Should people stop drinking it? There has not been a proven link between parabens in cosmetics and cancer. You might want to believe there is one but the best science says different. Certainly more studies need to be done but the weight of the evidence suggests there is no problem.
I totally agree with the previous post. When you say you focus on science, do you actually question anything that the “science” say, or you simply take it as a final truth? As we know, the science’s views change as new data becomes available, and what was considered “safe” yesterday is not anymore today. I think there is more research linking parabens and negative effects now then it was a year ago. Check here on the scientifically demonstrated negative effects of the parabens.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T6P-46YXHCB-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=d9db5441ee679ae877ff8e375495b299
I finally found a preservative free system that really makes a difference you can see – reducing fine lines and tightening the skin. Working in TV news for 20 years I have tried almost every product – The Optimal skin care line is my best friend. (see http://www.preservativefreesystem.com) I am recommending this for both men and women who want to look good both on camera or off. You can feel the hydration immediately . .and it even helps teens reduce acne.
I’ve tried the preservative/paraben free products and completely unhappy. The smell is awful (not that I want perfumes in my products, but there are products that don’t smell and do not have perfumes added). The only reactions I have ever had from a product is the ones that are “natural”. Problem is, those lines can not claim to be hypoallergenic, because, people can be allergic to plants.
So for those above who argue for “natural” or paraben free products, would you also say I should continue to use these products to avoid possibly getting cancer (even though the american cancer society has said there is no known link)even though I have an allergic reaction to these products?
I say use what works for you. If you like to smell like dirt and spread bacteria over your face and body, go “natural”. Otherwise, stick with what you have been using…
“…smell like dirt and spread bacteria over your face…” I love it!
Please Help!
I get Painful, goopy, gooie irritating eye infections from cosmetics. I have no idea why this started happening about four years ago. Before I had no problem using all different brands of cosmetics. I’m desperately searching for something I can use.
I think the irritation is possibly caused by Preservatives and/or fragrances, it’s the only common thread I can think of. It’s impossible to understand ingredient labels and try to figure it out.
I have discussed this with several different doctors, they have no clue what to tell me other than
“quit wearing makeup”, this is not an option!
I WANT MAKEUP,
I NEED MAKEUP!
Do you know any possible reason why this happened all of the sudden?
Can you guide me to any possible answers or products?
PLEASE HELP!
Many Thanks,
Carol
hi well I was wondering so what deodarants antipersprants out on the market are dangerous and have chemicals? What ones arent and are contain only all natural ingridents and is there such a thing called a all natural antipersprants with all natural ingredients?
please respond.
marshall
All of the deodorants and antiperspirants on the market are safe. Natural products are not safer.
All chemicals (no matter their source) can be dangerous when improperly used.
For those that think parabens cause cancer, did you read the published paper yourself? Or did you hear/read about it from the media? I would suggest reading the facts and interpreting it yourself before making judgments on the use of any ingredient in any product. Also, have you also read the technical documents for the dangers of dihydrogen monoxide? It’s in everything… why not ban it? Most people don’t look beyond the “danger” listing of this chemical to ultimately realize that this is just the chemical name for water.
I think it’s fairly obvious that asthma is on the rise as well as cancer, new illnesses are coming around as well. Some of you may enjoy the lovely smells and your makeup however it’s not just the use of preservatives in our cosmetics. It’s in our food, our cleaning products. I do think that there is a link and why on earth would the government recognize it when it keeps the cash flowing. I recommend all of you to read thanking the monkey and do your own research. You will find that it’s not only the preservatives but it’s also the packaging and animal testing that are poisonous to our environment. I realize that it must be easier to turn a blind eye but I suggest opening them for once and linking everything together. Yes preservatives keep your products longer but if you use them everyday they don’t need to be kept for 2 years. It’s buying multiple products that creates the need to keep products longer which creates more waste. I don’t know about you ladies but I don’t plan on putting any parabens or sulfates near my brain anytime soon. Read about it & look up the book
If anyone is concerned about preservatives or other ingredients in their cosmetics, I encourage you to watch this presentation by the Environmental Working Group. I think it’ll provide an interesting counterpoint to some of the views expressed here:
http://www.ewg.org/kid-safe-chemicals-act-blog/2009/08/why-i-hope-the-ewg-is-wrong/
(Scroll down to watch the video.)
@Safe Consumer – of course you should also take into account that the EWG is not run by science but instead lawyers. They do not use unbiased science to make their conclusions.
“Unbiased science” is generally a fallacy. When someone has a vested business interest and pays for a study and then chooses whether or not to publish it—which is generally how things work—how can you call this ‘unbiased’. Let’s agree that everyone has a world-view that they have a vested interest in. If you are a cosmetic company formulator, do you not have a particular world view which you think is right and appropriate and which you defend? If you are a natural products formulator, you must also have a reason for being and doing which you think is correct.
We are usually not going to convince each other to change views, but we can have some lively discussions. Thanks for the opportunity.
Mike
@Emily – while you make an excellent point, industry sponsored studies are not the only ones conducted. Universities get government money to conduct “unbiased” science.
I can’t speak for other cosmetic company formulators but I don’t have a particular position to get behind except one that is supported by the best available science. If the science suggested that there was no good reason to use a preservative, that’s what I would say people should do. If there was a new study that convincingly conflicted with my world view, I would simply change my world view. That’s how science works.
A “natural products formulator” has already decided that the natural way is the better way. They are typically incapable of accepting any data which would conflict with that bias. Is there any data you could see that would convince you that “natural” is not the best way? If not, you’re not following scientific thinking.
You could easily change my view because I’m a scientist. Show me the data. I have no problem with saying I’m wrong.
I’m trying to find the point in history when preservative-free emulsions became such a dangerous threat to mankind that a superhero in chemist garb(Toxicman) had to come to the rescue with their new formulation they mistakenly called, preservative.
Unfortunately, the history of lotion making has been flushed down the memory hole. I’m trying to find the problems associated with preservative-free emulsions, but even the link provided by thebeautybrains is nothing more than another dead end.
I handcraft all natural lotions and creams that do not become infected with bacteria even without refrigeration, unless sabotaged with a “challenge test” or improperly handled.
The 8 ounce pump bottle I distribute my freshly made lotions in helps protect my emulsions.
I find it hard to believe the chemist and his employer really wish there wasn’t a market for their toxic chemicals. But there is going to be a market even if it means they must spread false information and/or get the support of those running around calling themselves government. Did the history of lotion making get flushed down the memory hole because preservative-free emulsions are so very dangerous to people using them, or are they dangerous to the chemist employed by the chemical company to make more and more “preservatives”?
@ Beauty Brains–Sorry for the delay in responding. I’ve been busy making preservative-free natural skin care products
Oops, I fear I’ve already said too much.
Just like you, I would be happy to change my views if the facts proved me wrong. Sorry to say, but scientists do not have a monopoly on reasoning–though it seems you may think so when you say “They (natural products formulators) are typically incapable of accepting any data which would conflict with that bias”. Really? Is that a scientific fact too or a huge over-generalization?
As you said so pointedly, “You could easily change my view…Show me the data. I have no problem saying I’m wrong.” I can easily say the same.
There is room for both ‘natural’ and ’standard’ skin care. I’ll continue to make products that I feel comfortable putting on myself and my own child and you can formulate whatever you like. I have no problem with that.
You seem to want to speak in generalities and lump all natural products and people interested in natural products in the same boat. I have never and will never say that there is no reason to use preservatives. But I know that I can make anhydrous and safe stable products. I hope that is ok with you. Best to you. Don’t be upset. The world is big enough for both of us.
@Emily –
I’m not upset. You’re right, I over-generalized a bit. It was a defensive emotional reaction, decidedly not logical.
@Beauty Brains–
. I can understand how some people can wear down your patience. Anyhoo–it makes for dramatic and heated discussion which can be fun. Best–
We all have those moments
Mike