Conservatives in natural cosmetics: essential or crippling?

Conservatives in natural cosmetics: essential or crippling?

The time when the compositions ofs Cosmetic products were a mystery is far behind us. Today, it is essential that everything is understandable, but also that everything can be explained in the smallest details. THE compositions of aesthetic products are closely regulated by French laws and by European regulations. And for good reason: more and more, the natural cosmetic products have the wind in its sails.

THE beauty institutes, spas and even the clientele are closely interested in composition of organic cosmetics, To get an idea of ​​what is applied on the body and on the face.

But among the components that we find frequently (even all the time) in the cosmetics, are the conservative.

Are they ingredients to flee?

Or on the contrary, quality guarantees of your Cosmetics supplier?

Green Spa helps you understand the situation by taking stock of the conservatives.

Everything about conservatives in organic cosmetics

Just like the alcohols and solvents, Conservatives are components that are always found on Cosmetics labels, especially those offered at the sale in institutes.

And for good reason: these components aim to ensure the preservation of cosmetics, in the best conditions. No risk of contamination or that the product does not turn: creams, scrubs And Massage oils are perfectly preserved.

What is a curator?

Concretely, the conservative aims to prevent the development of microorganisms like them bacteria and mushrooms in cosmetics. Simply because between the moment when it is put in the bottle and the moment when it is used by the end customers, It can flow for several months.

It is therefore essential to predict the sustainability and the reliability of aesthetic products, as well as the sustainability of their Benefits for the skin. Whether by a change in the texture, in color or in the smell, the conservative ensures that the cosmetic Stay in perfect condition over the weeks.

French law requires that everything Cosmetics on sale on the market be able to protect yourself from a external bacterial contamination. And this data is also verified in the laboratories before the Marketing of cosmetics, by what is called the Test challenge.

This test challenge returns to voluntarily contaminate a cosmetics, To see his reaction to the presence of a bacterium. If he gets rid of it, the product has passed the test. If contaminated, it cannot be offered for sale.

The usefulness of conservative is therefore proven. So why are they at the center of scandals?

Why do the cosmetic conservatives debate?

More and more clients are looking for reliable cosmetic products, natural and organic. Whether it is by way for planet or for what we apply to our skin, we are more and more interested in a Natural cosmetics.

Which led to many changes in mentalities, especially towards sometimes industrial components such as preservatives. These are then at the heart of debates because they can be allergenic or irritating, especially for face skin which is finer and sensitive than the body of the body.

These irritations are explained by the fact that Conservatives fight against bacteria and microorganisms. However, the surface of our skin has a some microbial flora necessary for health. The curator, poorly dosed or poorly used, can therefore lead to an involuntary struggle against these natural microorganisms.

However, awareness of the possible dangerousness of the conservatives has given rise to particular attention. Today, the suppliers be careful not to use too much to use the conservative in cosmetics.

What is the difference between the cosmetics listed and not listed?

You will often find this Distinction on the supplier site, or even sometimes on Cosmetic products labels. This is a dichotomy that we owe to European cosmetic regulations.

This regulation 1223/2009 imposes all regulations European on Cosmetics put on sale. And it is he who establishes the difference between:

  • A conservative listed, which is part of the list of authorized preservativess

A Conservative not listed, who is not part of it

Who are the curators authorized in organic cosmetics?

The field of biological cosmetics is wider, and includes preservatives who can then be used as part of the Sale of natural cosmetics.

In this list authorized by the Biological specifications, There are conservatives nature-identical. Which means that they exist in nature, even if they must have been reconstituted because we cannot extract sufficient quantities.

Out of a total of 59 conservative, only 5 are authorized in the field of Natural and organic cosmetics:

  • Benzoic acid
  • Citric acid
  • Benzyl alcohol
  • Salicylic acid
  • Sorbic acid
  • Dehydroacetic acid

These are the ones you can then find on the labels of Organic cosmetic products, because they are considered natural enough to be used in a biological framework.

What preservatives should be avoided at all costs?

Apart from Conservatives that you can find in organic cosmetics, there is also a list of Industrial Conservatives that must be avoided at all costs.

They can be dangerous for health, and even counter the benefits of certain cosmetics. Here is the list to flee:

  • Nitrites
  • The parabens
  • The formaldehyde
  • The BHQT
  • Abridged formats E237 and E238
  • Formic acid
  • Diphenyl
  • Orthophenylphenol

Can we find cosmetics without preservatives?

You can completely look at a search for cosmetics not containing preservatives. Even if they are rare, this is a possibility.

Often these are Specialized brands in the “without conservatives”, who therefore offer Adapted cosmetic products, especially from the point of view of their packaging.

Indeed, in order to be sold, cosmetic products must be able to fight bacterial infections. Then there are two Packaging possibilities So that the product does not come into contact with the ambient air:

  • The Airless Pack
  • There sterilization, lined with suitable packaging which remains sterile during use by the end customer

These are two alternatives which are generally quite expensive, which explains their rarity on the cosmetics market.

Conservatives in the natural cosmetic universe: a good or a bad thing?

Today, The universe of cosmetics is governed by the respect for the skin and the planet. It is best to favor Natural and organic ingredients, to avoid any risk irritation or drought. But in parallel with this awareness, there are some ingredients which we cannot do without, whether in the organic sector or not. Among these ingredients, we find in particular conservative. They can be present in different forms, in natural form or not, to be avoided or on the contrary to favor ... these are ingredients that often lead to questions. If you need information on the composition of cosmetic products, Do not hesitate to ask your Supplier of organic products! He will be able to provide all the answers to your questions. And not only on conservative. Why not ask yourself about all Other components of natural products?