What is a conservative?

As the name suggests, a preservative helps to better preserve a beauty product once it is opened and to prevent bacterial proliferation.
Preservatives allow a cosmetic product never opened to have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years . As for an open product, even with preservatives, it can not keep for more than 12 months.
A preservative is defined as "a substance of natural or synthetic origin incorporated into cosmetics in order to avoid chemical (oxidation) or microbiological alterations".
There are different families of conservators . And are present as much in the so-called "conventional" beauty products, as those stamped natural and certified "organic".

What about preservatives in organic cosmetics?

Do not think that an organic beauty product does not contain a preservative.
Especially since the natural ingredients are not as well preserved.
For conservation, some brands therefore rely on essential oils , organic alcohol ... Others use synthetic preservatives authorized by the charter of certifying bodies such as Ecocert. Used at less than 1% they are less efficient.
Also the lifetime of an organic product after opening is often limited to 6 months, compared to 12 for a conventional cosmetic.

The New Generations Conservatives

While 100% of preservatives in cosmetics can not be dispensed with, some labs are working to find alternative solutions . More safe for our skin and the environment.

Brands innovate:
- Novexpert has patented a water gelling technique that prevents bacteria from developing.
- At Melvita , the cream is raised to 139 ° C for a few seconds and completely sterilized without losing an ounce of effectiveness.