Cosmetic Preservatives

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About Cosmetic Preservatives

Say goodbye to spoiled products and hello to longer shelf lives with our preservatives. From texture conservation to bacteria protection and beyond, these hand-selected ingredients are here to keep your hard work in tip-top condition.

Learn More About Cosmetic Preservatives 

Protect your fresh formulas.

Here at The Soapery, we know first-hand how much effort goes into crafting soap, cosmetics, and toiletries. We also know just how vulnerable our much-loved natural ingredients can be to everything from moisture to bacteria. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to bring the world’s best preservatives to your mixing bowls.

What are Cosmetic Preservatives?

Our customers love creating natural products good for skin, hair, home, and the planet - and so do we! But, as much as we adore fresh and unprocessed ingredients, they often need a little extra help to stay safe for use. Enter cosmetic preservatives.

An effective preservative provides broad spectrum protection against the growth of bacteria and fungi. Adding preservatives to a finished product increases the shelf life of cosmetic formulations. The result? Your beautiful cosmetics creations will look, feel, and last better for longer. 

There’s an endless list of cosmetic preservatives out there, but we prefer to keep things simple and conscious. Our range includes everything from geogard ultra to preservative enhancers like sodium lactate. 

How to Use Preservatives in Cosmetics

Preservatives can be used in a wide variety of products including skincare products and hair products. Using preservatives in your cosmetic creations is relatively simple, but keep in mind - no two formulas or ingredients are the same! 

Firstly, make your preservative choice carefully for the best finished product. Think about the pH level of your formula - whether it’s above or below 6, there’s bound to be an option out there best suited to it! Beyond this, consider your pairings. Will your preservative work well with the rest of your formula? Will your formula require an oil or water soluble preservative?  

Once you've found the perfect preservative, using the correct concentration is the next step to success. Different recipes require different percentages – always check the specific usage instructions. 

With products chosen and measurements made, all that’s left to do is mix in at the right temperature and time! 

For more advice on how to use preservatives in your soap and cosmetic recipes, check out our blog!

The Benefits of Cosmetic Preservatives

Without preservatives, every formula from toiletries to skincare would be open to growing all kinds of mould and bacteria - putting both products and people at risk. 

In ridding your cosmetic creations of harmful microbes whilst creating as sterile of an environment as possible, even the most natural preservatives help keep fresh ingredients at their freshest. 

The highlights don’t end there - by adding preservatives to your products, you’re also protecting everything from hands to hair. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or customers, who doesn't love the peace of mind that comes with knowing your homemade cosmetic products are safe to use?

Ready to keep your creations at their very best? Browse our cosmetic preservatives today. 

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We’re committed to offering a vast range of all-natural, organic products certified by The Soil Association, and we take pride in doing our part for the world around us.

Like most ingredients, the oils, butters, powders, and decorations in your handmade products are farmed or extracted from the natural world. Those certified as organic by the Soil Association were grown, produced, and harvested in line with strict regulations designed to protect and sustain the environment, including soils, ecosystems, animals, and people.

Buying Cosmetic Preservatives: FAQs

Can’t find the answers you’re looking for? Be sure to reach out to our friendly team using our contact form, or over social media. We’ll be happy to help.

What are parabens?

 Parabens are a type of preservative widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. They help extend shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria and mould. While they are effective and cost-efficient, some studies have suggested that parabens could have a negative impact on health, though these findings are not conclusive.

Regulatory bodies in many countries deem low levels of parabens safe for use in cosmetics. However, due to consumer concerns and the ongoing debate, many cosmetic companies and at-home cosmetics makers are now opting for alternative preservatives and promoting paraben-free products. 

How do cosmetic preservatives work?

Cosmetic preservatives stop the growth of mould and bacteria in their tracks - keeping cosmetics, bath, and body products in great condition, sans any harmful additions. But how exactly do they do it? 

Some preservatives, like parabens, aim to kill any unwanted microorganisms, penetrating their cell walls and disrupting normal functioning before any growth can occur. This helps keep your products fresh, clean, and most importantly, functioning as intended! 

Others, like benzyl alcohol, create an environment that's just not suitable for bacteria by adjusting the pH level of the product - keeping it safe for skin, but not for microorganisms. 

Lastly, some preservatives work by inhibiting enzymes that are essential for the survival of bacteria and mould.

How much preservative to use in cosmetics?

When it comes to making your own soaps and cosmetics, using the right amount of preservatives is crucial for keeping your creations safe. 

With this being said, the amount of preservative you'll need to use will vary depending on the type of product you're making and the ingredients chosen. For example, a water-based product like a lotion will require more preservatives than an oil-based product like a balm.

It's also important to note that some ingredients, such as Vitamin E, grapefruit extract, and rosemary extract are often described as preservatives, but are really antioxidants. They’re best suited for oil mixtures, which they can make last for longer, but may not have an effect on other formulas, such as lotions. 

Of course, when experimenting with preservatives, be sure to follow recommended usage rates for your specific recipe, and patch test whenever possible!

Why do cosmetics need preservatives?

Preservatives are one of the most important ingredients in cosmetics - particularly when packaged in a tub or jar and constantly exposed to the touch! In all essence, they’re needed to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria - keeping products fresh until the end of their shelf life, and protecting everything from skin to hair from potentially harmful microbes.  

Preservatives are especially important if your products contain water, as these types of formulas are particularly vulnerable to contamination.

There are many different types of preservatives available for use in cosmetics, including geogard ultra – a water soluble preservative suitable for mixtures such as lotion, shampoo, and liquid soap. Be sure to use the appropriate amount of preservative for your specific recipe to ensure your creations stay fresh and safe to use.

Are skincare preservatives bad?

When it comes to making your own skincare products, preservatives are often a necessary addition - keeping them fresh, clean, and most importantly, safe for use for as long as possible. However, it's important to remember that not all preservatives are created equal.

Whilst some options have recently come under scrutiny for potential negative effects on health, there are many other preservatives available that are considered genuinely safe and effective.

For this reason, it's important to do your research and choose an appropriate preservative for your product. You can also try using geogard ultra – a water soluble preservative suitable for mixtures such as lotion, shampoo, and liquid soap.

Is sodium lactate a preservative?

Sodium lactate can be used as a preservative enhancer in a wide range of cosmetic formulas. Its ability to help regulate PH levels and stave off the growth of some bacteria make it a great ingredient when used in conjunction with a more potent, full-strength preservative.

Why do cosmetics have an expiration date?

Cosmetics, like most products out there, have an expiration date for a good reason - namely to protect their users! 

In short, over time, cosmetic ingredients - whether natural or synthetic - can break down and lose their effectiveness. For example, a lotion that is past its expiration date may not moisturise as well as it should.

With this being said, functionality isn’t the only concern here. Expired ingredients make for a wonderful breeding ground for everything from mould to bacteria - all of which can be extremely harmful to the skin, causing irritation and infections where used. 

Disappointed by your homemade product’s lasting power? Cosmetic preservatives could be the solution you’re looking for. They’re able to kill the microbes known to break down cosmetics and damage skin - helping extend shelf lives and improve product quality. 

How can I make my cosmetic products last longer?

When it comes to handmade cosmetic products, longevity can be a big worry! Whether you’re using fresh ingredients or a synthetic formula, your product’s shelf life shouldn't be overlooked. 

Our experts have a few simple tips for creating long-lasting products safe for the skin: 

Keep it clean: Thoroughly clearing your surroundings and equipment before getting crafty with your cosmetics is one of the best ways to keep bacteria at bay. 

Store well: All the usual guidelines apply here. Once you’ve whipped up your perfect batch - whether moisturiser, balm, or beyond, be sure to store it in an airtight container away from moisture, light, and extreme temperatures. 

Use the right preservatives: Water-based cosmetics are hugely vulnerable to the mould and bacteria known to make products go bad. Preservatives can prevent their growth. Simply choose the right option for your formula, mix in, and enjoy added protection.

Are there natural preservatives for cosmetics?

While there's a growing interest in natural preservatives, very few 100% natural options offer effective broad-spectrum protection against bacteria.

Many believe that plant extracts like rosemary and grapefruit seed act as preservatives due to their antioxidant properties. However, these options primarily work as preservative enhancers or help to extend the shelf life of oils. They won’t cover water-based products in the same way. 

One of the most (though not fully) ‘natural’ options available with coverall protection abilities across both water and oil based geogard ultra. It's worth noting that most effective preservatives tend to be synthetic or semi-synthetic, which underscores their crucial role in maintaining the safety and integrity of cosmetic products.

How to store cosmetic preservatives?

Though preservatives are made to protect your cosmetic creations from the elements, they require some TLC when in storage too! In order to make sure they last as long as possible and perform to the best of their ability once used, our experts highly recommend keeping your preservatives in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent them from breaking down or losing their potency. 

Air-tight packaging is also hugely important to maintaining your preservatives’ functionality and avoiding contamination. If possible, keep your purchase in its original bottle, jar, or tub, sealed tightly until your first or next use. 

Lastly, it’s also important to keep your preservatives away from other ingredients that might react with them. This includes acids or high-pH ingredients that can neutralise their effectiveness.