Formulating for mildness by using the right preservation

For modern cosmetics a mild preservation plays a key role and is more important than ever. The environmental conditions become more and more challenging for our skin and the preservation strategy is in the spotlight because most listed preservatives have negative side effects, as well as restrictions are increasing and allowed dosages decreasing. The average consumer does not pay much attention to the preservation strategy. Nevertheless, consumers would like to have a mild cosmetic product with a high stability and long shelf life. The formulator’s point of view is different because preservation is often more challenging than expected.

Bacteria, yeasts and molds are an indispensable element of life and evolution. On one hand, bacteria on our skin and in our digestive system are of high functional need, on the other hand we intend to protect our food and cosmetics against undesirable contamination. Killing bacteria, yeasts and molds is less of a challenge than finding the right balance for each individual formulation and maintaining the mildness.

So what would the absolutely perfect preservative look like? It should be natural, acting pH-independently and working in all formulations. It also should be transparently soluble in water, mild, stable, odorless and colorless and even be inexpensive. The bad news: such a preservative does not exist.