Natural Preservatives for Cosmetics To Look For On Labels

What is the one thing you never miss looking for when shopping for your men’s cosmetics products? 

Is it the expiry date? The ingredients used or the packaging? 

If the first thing you look at is the expiry date, you expect it to last for the days without going bad. 

In the beauty world, there are two different types of preservative agents, natural preservatives for cosmetics and chemical preservative agents. 

Do you want to give your skin the tender loving care it deserves? Be aware of the ingredients found in the cosmetic products you are applying to your skin. 

We will share and enlighten you about natural preservatives for cosmetics and what you should check for on cosmetics before buying your next skincare product. 

Organic Preservatives For Cosmetics 

You may be aware of toxins and irritants found in some cosmetics, medicines, and foods, which could be why you are looking for products with organic or natural preservatives. 

While chemical preservative agents do their job, they cause a lot of harm to your skin. 

This is why it is essential to look for products with natural preservatives on labels before buying your men’s skincare products. 

What are organic preservatives? 

Organic or natural preservatives are ingredients found in nature without artificial processing. 

These preservatives help in preventing products from spoiling before time.

Natural preservatives are free from parabens, mineral oils, silicones, petrolatum, S.L.S, propylene glycol, synthetic dyes and fragrances, PEGs and carbomers.

Uses of Natural Preservatives: 

● It helps prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria (antimicrobial) 

● It helps prevent mould and yeast from growing (antibacterial) 

● Delays oxidation 

● Stops the ageing process in cosmetic products 

List of Natural Preservatives For Cosmetics:

● Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant found in tropical environments around the world. It contains B1, B2, B6, C, enzymes, phenolic compounds, choline, niacinamide, glycoprotein, salicylic acids, and phytochemicals.

It has many valuable benefits that range from soothing sunburns, healing wounds, helping fight skin infections, and so much more. 

Scientists have developed aloe vera preservatives from the aloe vera plant to use in the cosmetic industry as natural preservatives. Aloe vera has become one of the most common natural preservatives for cosmetics. 

● Benzyl Alcohol 

Benzyl alcohol is found naturally in many plants, including jasmine, hyacinth, and Ylang Ylang flower from the Cananga tree.

It is added to cosmetic products as a preservative due to its antiseptic properties. It can be found in shampoos, lotions, soaps, body and face cleansers. 

● Citric Acid

This is a natural preservative used in both food and cosmetic products. It is an antioxidant commonly found in many fruits, including oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits, and tomatoes.

Citric acid helps prevent the growth of mould, yeast, and some bacteria. It can be naturally derived from sugar or be synthetically manufactured. 

● Grapefruit Seed Extract

A grapefruit seed extract has long been known to have antifungal properties, although it can also kill bacteria and viruses.

It is a preservative in soaps, shampoos, lotions, deodorants, and dishwashing liquids. Grapefruit seed extract can be found naturally, but it is also processed into a synthetically manufactured product. 

● Sodium Erythorbate

Both lemons and limes are abundant in Vitamin C, which helps protect the cells from damage by free radicals. A preservative derived from these fruits is sodium erythorbate.

A common ingredient in processed meats to help preserve the colour but is also found in many skincare products. 

● Rosemary Extract

This extract is a potent antioxidant that can prevent rancidity (“off” odours resulting from lipid oxidation) in food and cosmetics.

It has been used for centuries to add flavour to dishes but is now increasingly used as a preservative in processed foods and cosmetics. 

● Tea Tree Oil 

This oil is distilled from the tea tree plant, used for centuries as an antiseptic to treat wounds. It is used in soaps, shampoos, lotions, face washes, and acne treatments to help treat acne. 

● Sage Oil 

Sage oil is a preservative and essential oil. There are many species of Sage producing beneficial oils that contain antibacterial properties which can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

It is commonly added to toothpaste and mouthwash, enhancing the benefits of helping fight against cavities and plaque buildup. 

The downside is that sage oil does not mix well with water, so the surfaces must be oiled to mix. 

● Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) 

This antioxidant can be found naturally in wheat germ oil, rice bran oil, and olives. It is one of the most common antioxidants due to its stability and ability to protect lipids and water-soluble substances from damage caused by free radicals. 

Although technically not a preservative, it helps prevent oxidation. That is why it is an antioxidant. To “preserve” oils, Vitamin E contains oxidation reactions that create reactions that damage the oils. Thus prolong the shelf life of your cosmetic products. 

● Gluconolactone 

Gluconolactone is a preservative that works well against fungi, mould, and yeast in skincare products and processed food.

It is considered a safe additive for both products but may cause skin irritation when used on broken skin or by people with sensitive skin. Gluconolactone is found naturally in corn, honey, rice wine, and fruit juices. 

● Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate 

These two preservatives work well against fungi and bacteria in both food and cosmetics.

They are widespread ingredients found in many processed foods to help prevent mould growth and protect flavourings from oxidation. These same benefits can be found in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and even lotions. 

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Importance of Natural Antioxidants In Cosmetics 

Antioxidants are not confused with preservatives, but they play a critical role in “preservation.” They help protect against damage caused by free radicals. 

Antioxidants in cosmetics are primarily used to keep products free from oxidation which makes them expire faster. 

Antioxidants prevent the formation of free radical-induced by UV light, pollution, or other environmental factors. 

They can also reduce skin damage due to ageing and skin inflammation like erythema (redness of the skin). 

The primary class of antioxidants used in cosmetics: 

1. Vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols) 
2. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, L-ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbate) 
3. Green tea extract (polyphenols) 
4. Grape seed extract 

Therapeutic Benefits of Natural Antioxidants For The Skin 

As you age, your skin begins to lose its elasticity and firmness, which causes the skin to sag, giving it a tired and worn look. 

It is challenging for your skin to maintain its elasticity and firmness when you introduce harsh chemicals into your body. 

These harsh chemicals enter the bloodstream and cause severe damage to your skin and body. 

How can one person possibly figure out which product is the best? 

Ensure you buy products with antioxidants. Antioxidants in cosmetics provide better skincare than skincare products without them. 

Topical application of antioxidants can help remove/improve wrinkles, fine lines, redness, hyperpigmentation, post-acne spots, and even severe conditions like eczema or psoriasis. 

Some examples of natural antioxidants include: 

● Ascorbic acid 

● Lactic acid 

● Propionic acid 

● Sorbic acid 

Our organic skincare raw materials are preserved against bacteria, yeast, moulds, and fungi. This means you are assured of well-preserved and safe products for your use. 

For example, our Revitalising eye cream for men contains Hemp seed oil, Aloe vera, jojoba oil, and Hyaluronic acid. 

This helps prevent dryness and improve elasticity around the eyes. Our Men’s firming face serum can penetrate deep into the skin to give it younger-looking plump skin thanks to Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate), Hemp Seed Oil, Emulium Mellifera Olive Oil, Aloe Vera, and Jojoba Oil. 

Not sure if eye cream and face serum are right for you?

Organic skincare raw materials are classified as either self-preserving or requiring added preservation. Products made from both ingredients must be preserved against bacteria, yeast, moulds, and fungi. 

Organic skincare products formulated with organic preservatives can last a year or longer. In contrast, non-organic products may be overgrown with microorganisms if not refrigerated after a few weeks. 

Emulsifiers are widely used in organic cosmetics to keep water and oil-based ingredients together. Organic skincare raw materials can create a stable emulsion by themselves, but natural emulsifiers should be chosen if they are to be combined with other ingredients. 

Without adding emulsifiers they could separate into oil and water after a while. Organic skincare products that contain an organic emulsifier can last for more than six months, whereas non-organic ones may become rancid within three months. 

Natural preservatives for cosmetics are added to organic skincare raw materials, vegan preservatives for cosmetics, and organic emulsifiers. Organic skincare raw materials are the main ingredients in skincare products that have been used for centuries to keep products fresh and free from microorganisms. 

Organic skincare products require only a tiny amount of preservatives to be adequately preserved, and they typically contain natural ingredients such as grapefruit seed extract or essential oils.

When organic skincare raw materials are combined with vegan preservatives for cosmetics and organic emulsifiers for cosmetics, the cosmetics product will last up to a year or longer under proper storage conditions. 

Organic skincare products formulated with organic preservatives last up to a year or longer under proper storage conditions. In contrast, non-organic ones may become contaminated within three months after opening if they are not refrigerated. 

Natural ingredients for cosmetics include rosemary extract and avocado oil which naturally protect from bacteria. Organic skincare raw materials such as jojoba oil, shea butter, and coconut oil have a natural antioxidant that inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

Another natural ingredient that should excite you whenever you spot in your cosmetic product is the presence of algae extracts. 

Organic skincare products made from these ingredients may be preserved with vitamin E or grapefruit seed extract for a short shelf life without turning rancid. You can also look for Vegan preservatives for cosmetics that are derived from vegan sources. These preservatives have similar properties to those derived from animal sources. 

Why You Should Use Natural Skincare Products 

When taking care of your skin, natural skincare products should be your number one go-to choice.

This is because the products are grown without pesticides, additives, and many other chemicals. 

Your skin is a good indicator of what goes into the products that you buy.

If your skin reacts negatively to a particular product, chances are, it contains chemicals and additives.

In addition to this, some ingredients may be more likely to cause reactions than others. 

Natural skin care products also have the right consistency for your skin.

These hold up better than others, especially if exposed to the heat and humidity, making them more suitable for your daily beauty regimen.

Some of these natural products may even last you throughout the day or night, so you get more benefits from them. 

Valuxxo Bottom Line

We hope that you are more informed about the importance of choosing products with natural preservatives.

Effective skincare is a process that starts by making the right choice in your skincare regimen and finding out what works best for your skin.

As a man, your skincare regimen should be personalised to suit your skin type to ensure the very best results possible.

Use natural ingredients whenever you can.