Alternatives to Preservatives in Cosmetics

Preservatives in cosmetics are often feared or criticized, but preservatives help cosmetics stay safe and extend their shelf lives. Even though they are safe and legally used, preservatives are often targeted because sensitive skin can be more reactive to them. The cosmetic industry is constantly trying to innovate by developing new products without preservatives. There are some alternative routes:

Limit the development of microorganisms

Choosing airless packaging or tube instead of a jar may help to reduce the risk of microorganism development. The contamination of the product is higher when the consumer can touch the formula directly. If you want to avoid water in your cosmetic product, you can always formulate waterless products as powders or lipsticks.

Innovative product

The microbial contamination of the cosmetic product is mainly due to the presence of water in the formula. A French brand has innovated by using ‘gelled’ water in the formula. The product is developed in a sterile environment, which ensures zero germs in the formula or packaging. This alternative technique to the use of preservatives in cosmetics is highly innovative, and ensures a clean formula for the consumer even without the use of preservatives.

Sterile cosmetics

1. Two types of sterilizations are used to avoid the use of preservatives in the formula:
   Ultra-High-Temperature process (UHT) consists of heating the formula up to 155°C to sterilize it and then quickly cooling it down. Sterilizing the packaging and anti-microbiological cap as well as a suitable packaging (tube, airless pump) will contribute to maintaining a clean formula.


2. A unique patented packaging and formula coming from France has allowed the first sterile cream in a large format (reusable). The airless and sterile packaging is made to avoid any exterior contamination. The formula remains sterile during the use of the product. The entire process is done in a sterile environment with strict norms to avoid germs and contamination.