If you are making a skincare product that contains water, it is important that you include a broad-spectrum preservative. This includes floral waters, hydrosols, and aloe vera juice
When I first started making skincare products, I wanted to stick with making products that did not require a preservative. I read that some preservatives such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS), and formaldehyde, to name a few, were not good because not only can it cause skin to be irritated, but it may also cause cancer.
Usually there is no need for a preservative in products such as body butters. But if there is a chance that the product will be exposed to wet hands, you may want to add a preservative.
What is a Preservative?
A preservative is used to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in your skincare products. It helps to extend the shelf life of the product.
When do you need a preservative in your skincare product?
If water is used in products such as lotions and creams, you need a broad-spectrum preservative. Although scrubs do not contain water, water could find its way into the product because we use scrubs in the shower.
Choosing a Preservative
You have to make sure that the preservative you have chosen will work with the pH of your product. You need to know the usage level of the preservative and the pH range where it will be most effective. Some preservatives cannot be used in facial masks or cleansers that have clays in the ingredients. Check with the manufacturer of the product.
What’s not a Preservative?
Vitamin E, Grapefruit seed extract, and Rosemary extracts are not preservatives. They are antioxidants that helps to extend the shelf life of your oils and butters in your product so that they do not become rancid.
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