What preservatives are?
Preservatives are not only used in the food sector, but also in the cosmetics field.
Our cosmetics as products that can spoil or grow bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, but without the assistance of preservatives, cosmetics could become harmful.
Preservatives in cosmetics
Preserving cosmetic formulations using appropriate preservatives, especially those containing a large amount of water, is extremely important as watery environments encourage the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and moulds. The presence of an excessive microbial load can cause skin problems and disorders and it is therefore very important to prevent the growth of these pathogens within cosmetic formulations.
What are common cosmetic preservatives?
- Aldehydes, such as formaldehyde, DMDM hydantoin, imadozolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea.
- Glycol ethers, such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
- Isothiazolinones, such as methylisothiazolinone.
- Organic acids, such as benzoic acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, anisic acid.
- Parabens, such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben.
What is the “Challenge Test“?
The ideal preservative does not exist and therefore a combination of two or more preservatives is often used to exploit synergistic activity.
To evaluate the efficacy of a preservative system, a test called the ‘Challenge Test’ is used. This consists of purposely polluting the sample of the cosmetic formulation under examination with certain microorganisms and evaluating the ability of the preservative system to prevent the growth of these pathogens within the product.
In recent years, particular attention has been paid to the search for natural substances capable of inherently inhibiting bacterial growth. These substances can be used in synergy with classic preservatives to lower their concentration within the cosmetic formulation.
Gen-Hyal’s philosophy
The Gen-Hyal formulators have always taken great care to ensure that all products in the line are effective and safe. In line with the philosophy of essentiality, preservatives have therefore been selected that can effectively carry out their preservative power, and using the minimum quantities necessary so as not to be aggressive. In fact, all Gen-Hyal products are dermatologically tested for sensitive skin.
