Collection: Conservateurs cosmétiques

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.