First lets analyze what a preservative really is. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary a preservative is an “additive used to protect against decay, discoloration or spoilage”.  Other dictionaries call a preservative a “chemical substance used to preserve foods or other organic materials from decomposition or fermentation”. So, technically speaking the only way to do this is by the use of a chemical.

Why are people so interested in  products that contain natural preservatives instead of chemical or synthetic ones? People are becoming aware and troubled by the fact that cosmetic products contain ingredients that are harmful to our health. Some estimate that the amount of chemicals applied to our bodies on a daily basis is 200. Think about all the lotions, moisturizers and other skin care products you use on a daily basis. Some of which, you need to apply to your skin and allow it to absorb the product.

Also consider that products that you wash off like shower gel, for example, need less preservatives than those you leave on your body. The more it stays on your skin without being washed off, the more harm it may cause. Some of the preservatives that are absorbed by the skin, travel through the body by means of  the blood stream. Another issue is that these preservatives accumulate in the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the epidermis an whose main purpose is to protect the skin. If these preservatives are poisonous they will kill beneficial bacteria on the skin.

Some may argue products need to have synthetic chemical preservatives to ensure the level of quality. The thing is that just because strong chemicals are added to cosmetics it does not necessarily mean that they are safe to use. Some companies use both chemical and nature preservatives, which makes no sense, when these chemicals may kill the benefits of the natural products.

Due to controversy surrounding the use of chemical preservatives in food and cosmetics, some companies are turning to other options to help extend products’ shelf life.  Some are switching from synthetic to natural. Unfortunately all natural preservatives may not be as good as they sound, especially if taken in excess. But on a positive note they aren’t as toxic as synthetic preservatives. The best option would be no preservatives at all, but products would not be able to stay fresh too long.

The issue with manufacturing products entirely without the use of preservatives is that, besides taking a lot of time to make they are very expensive. Products manufactured without preservatives need to be fabricated in a sterilized environment using a flow hood similar to that found in hospitals and laboratories. They should also be refrigerated immediately after their first use. Because of this some companies are considering making products using natural preservatives.

There are ways of reducing microbial activity (such as using essential oils) in a more natural way. Antioxidants can help in this task as well. They will protect the oils, which become rancid when hit by light or air, from spoiling and becoming susceptible to contaminants.  This is a process that cannot be stopped 100%, but antioxidants have the ability of slowing down this process.

Antioxidants and essential oils are completely natural ingredients.  Antioxidants, as the word implies,  is a substance such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C or beta carotene that protects cells from the damaging effects of oxidation. in the case of essential oils, these are powerful antiseptics that kill most of the harmful bacteria and fungi without causing any damaging effects to the human system. Essential oils are derived form plants, flowers, leaves and grasses. The discovery of these oils antiseptic properties was made in France during the cholera epidemic when it was observed that workers in perfume factories seemed to be almost fully immune to the disease while the rest of the population perished.

Be careful with what products you purchase. Even some “natural” products contain toxic substances.  Check labels at the store and stay away from products that contain hexachlorophene, methyl, propyl paraben and formaldehyde.

Neem Oil – Neem is one of the most powerful oils on the market today. It has been used in India since the time of Sanskrit. Today it is recognized as an all around oil. It is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial as well as anti-protozoan and a spermicide.

Salt (sodium chloride) - most people have heard of Smithfield Hams. These hams can last forever because they are salt-cured. Salt has been used since ancient times particularly for meat, as a preservative. The salt enters the tissue and in effect binds the water, inhibiting the bacterium that causes spoilage. The salt restricts to tiny concentration and protects food from yeasts and molds. It draws out moisture and creates an environment inhospitable to bacteria.

Sugar (carbohydrates) - this organic compound, may be either refined (white) or raw (brown) and has a variety of names. It is used as a natural preservative inhibiting bacterial growth after food or products have been heated.

Lemon - it is part of the Rutaceae family also known as a citrus fruit. Lemons are grown in the milder regions and can be from 30 to 45 percent juice depending on type and climate. The acid produced mostly by the citrus and identified as C6H8O7 promotes preservation. The lemon is rich in Vitamin C and much like salt removes moisture to prevent spoilage and rotting.

Honey - is known for being highly stable against microbial growth because of it’s low moisture content and water activity, low pH and anti-microbial constituents.

Bee Propolis - is a mixture of beeswax and resins collected by the honeybee from plants, particularly flowers and leaf buds, it is used to line and seal the comb. The propolis is effective in protecting the hive offering both antibacterial and antifungal properties.

The Greeks and Romans used propolis to heal skin abscesses and through the centuries its use in medicine has received varying attention. The ancient Egyptians also knew its’ benefits and it is still used in Africa today, as a medicine, an adhesive for tuning drums, sealing cracked water containers or canoes and dozens of other purposes.

Rosemary Extract  - helps against aging processes, such as browning, thickening and wrinkling; and melanoma and other skin cancers are thought to be accelerated by the accumulation of peroxides in the skin tissues. These peroxides are produced by environmental factors such as heat and ultra-violet radiation from sunlight, a primary cause of sunburn and melanoma. In a study conducted to test photoprotectivity, it was discovered that Carnosic acid (found in Rosemary) did protect the skin from UV damage. [3] This evidence is further corroborated in expired US patents 5,358,752, which show in the examples complete elimination of peroxides as a result of UVB radiation. Rosemary also has a history of anti-bacterial and anti-microbial applications. One study found it to be effective against HIV-1 [4]

Grapefruit Seed Extract : A natural antibiotic, antiseptic, disinfectant and preservative. It is used to promote the healing of almost any atypical skin condition. According to published sources it is effective against more than 800 bacterial and viral organisms, 100 strains of fungus, and a large number of single-cell and multi-celled parasites. This preservative is used by many handcrafters in products that contain water.

Citric acid - t’s an acid, flavoring, chelating agent: ice cream, sherbet, fruit drink, candy, carbonated beverages, instant potatoes. It is versatile, widely used, cheap and safe. iT is an important metabolite in virtually all living organisms and is especially abundant  naturally in citrus fruits and berries. It is used an a strong acid, a tart flavoring and an antioxidant.

Alpha tocopherol (also known as vitamin E) - it’s an antioxidant and nutrient. Vitamin E is abundant in whole wheat, rice germ, and vegetable oils. It is destroyed by the refining and bleaching of flour. Vitamin E is used because it prevents oils from going rancid. Recent studies indicate that large amounts of Vitamin E may help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Be aware that there is a synthetic on the market called variously Tocopherol, Alpha Tocopherol and /or Tocopherol Acetate.

Potassium Sorbate - effectively preserves against mold and yeast, it is not useful for protecting products from bacteria. it is also not effective at all in products with a pH over 6, which most lotions are. While potassium sorbet is found in nature, any available today would have been synthetically made so it is not all-natural. It is also believed to cause contact dermatitis.

Natural preservatives are considered safer by many because they have always existed in nature and our immune systems are used to them. Most of the preservatives that come from a plant source are safe for humans. The main disagreement when it comes down to the use of natural preservatives in cosmetics is that they are not powerful enough. This may be true but, it does not mean that because of this more chemical or synthetic preservatives need to be used.