Do cosmetics need preservatives?

The relationship between preservatives and expiration dates in cosmetics

Food has expiration dates because it spoils, but do cosmetics spoil?
The answer is "Yes."

Many cosmetics contain water.
Of all cosmetic ingredients, water is the one that spoils most easily. Just as mineral water spoils if left at room temperature for years, the water in cosmetics will also spoil.

That is why most cosmetics contain preservatives.
In particular, for cosmetics that do not have an expiration date, the formula is required to maintain its preservative effect for three years after manufacture when unopened.

If not properly preserved, it can spoil and lead to unnecessary irritation and infection.

The spread of microbial contamination through cosmetics, especially those applied around the eyes or directly to the skin, can be dangerous and can lead to serious health problems.

What causes cosmetics to spoil?

There are many reasons why cosmetics and skin care products can go bad.

For example, jars that you scoop with your fingers introduce microorganisms and moisture from your hands every time you use them, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

Just because it has a spatula doesn't mean it's safe, either, because every time you handle the tiny spatula, you transfer germs from your hands.

They also spoil when there are changes in temperature or humidity. For this reason, strong preservatives are generally used in shampoos, body soaps, facial cleansers, and other products used in the bathroom, where humidity levels are high.

It is best to avoid using skin care products in humid areas such as bathrooms and washrooms, and store them in places with as little humidity as possible.

Cosmetics can deteriorate when exposed to sunlight, ultraviolet rays, and air. Avoid storing them in a car where the temperature is high. Also, do not leave cosmetic containers open.

Some people store their skincare products in the refrigerator, but this doesn't always work, so unless the manufacturer recommends it, avoid doing so.

It also has to do with pH balance

pH balance refers to the acidity of a product. It is expressed as a number between 0 and 14. The closer to 0, the more acidic it is, and the closer to 14, the more alkaline it is. 7 is neutral.

The pH level at which microorganisms can easily grow is between 5 and 8. The further away from this range the water is, the more difficult it becomes for bacteria to grow.
In other words, highly acidic products, such as beauty serums with peeling effects, make it difficult for bacteria to grow.

By the way, human skin is slightly acidic with a pH of 4.5 to 6.
At first glance, it may seem like a pH level that would be favorable for bacteria to grow, but our skin is slightly acidic and has a natural antibacterial power. The inherent power of human skin is amazing.

Preservatives used in skin care

Preservatives used in skin care are both natural and synthetic.

Natural preservatives are essential oils and plant extracts such as thyme, oregano, and tea tree. All of them have antibacterial properties. However, natural preservatives are less effective than synthetic preservatives. Therefore, they are often used in combination with multiple types of preservatives, or in combination with synthetic preservatives.

Representative synthetic preservatives include parabens and phenoxyethanol , as well as tocopherol acetate, a synthetic form of vitamin E, and sodium benzoate, which is often used in natural cosmetics.

In addition, there are also ingredients derived from alcohol, such as ethanol and benzyl alcohol, that have strong preservative effects.

Additionally, there are some types of preservatives that were formerly designated as ingredients that require caution.
For example, DMDM ​​hydantoin , chlorphenesin , and triclosan can not only irritate the skin but also cause allergies .

Many people avoid parabens, but those with sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis may want to avoid these preservatives as much as possible.

The dangers of rotten cosmetics

In the 1950s, a case of blindness caused by using spoiled face lotion was reported in the United States. This made many people aware of the dangers of cosmetics containing numerous chemicals that can go bad.

This incident led to widespread use of parabens.

However, problems related to preservatives have continued to occur.
In 2017, it was discovered that the cream was causing bacterial growth. A major American cosmetics company voluntarily recalls its products .
In 2019, a Canadian moisturizing cream was recalled due to possible mold.

What are the signs that cosmetics have gone bad?

When mold grows on cosmetics, it doesn't necessarily mean that the obvious green or black mold will appear like it does on food. If you notice any of these changes, it may be that the product has spoiled.

• There's a strange smell.
• The viscosity (thickness of the cosmetic) is different from when I bought it
• The contents are separated
• The contents are solidified
• The contents are thicker or thinner than when I bought it

Using cosmetics that have gone bad not only makes them ineffective;
May cause adverse reactions to skin and mucous membranes. Discontinue use and dispose properly.

Preservative-free cosmetics

Cosmetics don't suit your skin. You have an allergic reaction. The two main factors that cause such problems are said to be fragrances and preservatives.
As a result, more and more people are looking for cosmetics that do not contain preservatives.

Preservative-free cosmetics do not contain common preservatives.
Instead, the preservative effect is achieved by combining the preservative powers of plant extracts and other ingredients.

However, just because something is preservative-free doesn't necessarily mean it's good.
Some people find that the product contains too many preservative ingredients, which can cause irritation.

If you have sensitive skin or allergies to preservatives, you may want to try preservative-free cosmetics and see how it affects your skin.