Preservatives in natural and ecocosmetics

More and more people prefer safe household chemicals, ecoproducts and natural cosmetics, however many in cosmetics are confused by such component of structure as preservative. Any of cosmetics cannot do without preservatives if of course, this cream was not created in kitchen only for itself, and it was used within 3 days. And preservatives by definition are considered as "chemistry". Also it is often possible to hear such phrase: "As cream can be natural if there all the same preservatives". But not everything is so unambiguous! And "natural" cosmetics can be absolutely artificial, and some preservatives against the background of such cosmetics are just safer for skin and an organism in general.

The matter is that at the moment the concept of natural cosmetics is not regulated by the legislation, and cosmetic can be called natural even if contains only one such component therefore it is necessary to distinguish concepts natural, organic and ecocosmetics. The real natural cosmetics has to be certified on one of standards - BDIH, Ecocert, Cosmos, etc. also such cosmetics does not contain mineral oil, aggressive surfactant, nitrates and other "bad" components, and dyes and fragrances in such means are applied in the minimum quantity.

The same minimum the real natural cosmetics contains also preservatives, but also they natural here.
Natural preservatives are such components which are made from vegetable raw materials, they have antibacterial properties and are considered as "green". Cosmetics with preservatives of a such type cannot be stored for years, the maximum term of their storage, as a rule, no more than 6-8 months even without opening of a bottle or a jar.

Let's sort several types of natural preservatives.

Silver citrate
It is quite often found type of preservative in handmade cosmetics. It is based on silver salt of citric acid. Such preservative has antibacterial properties and protects skin from pathogenic microbes. Citrate of silver will be applied as preservative in many countries of Europe and Asia.

Sensiva® PA 40
This preservative protects cosmetics from fungi and microbes, it is considered very soft preservative and is used even in toothpastes and mouthwashes, besides, it is hypoallergenic and does not influence on rn skin.

As a rule, almost all cosmetic creams contain plant extracts, and powerful preservative from them is honeysuckle extract.
Extract of a honeysuckle has antibacterial, antifungal properties and considerably prolongs an expiration date of means. And if it is combined with sage extract, then it is possible to speak about reliable preservation of cosmetic. Extract of a honeysuckle contains a large amount of vitamins and bioflavonoids therefore has antiviral effect and strengthens a vascular wall.

What is the self-preserved cosmetics
Often ecocosmetics is sated with different types of plant extracts, essential oils, beeswax, and these components besides the properties which are looking after skin, have also effect of preservation. Therefore now it is often possible to see such words "cosmetics which is self-preserved" in advertizing of handmade cosmetics. By and large, it is a marketing mix, just the producer combines the looking after and preserving components which are often combining properties that and others in the necessary proportion.

Wax and oil of a tree to them
The neem or oil of a tree, and together with it and wax, are often applied by it in natural cosmetics and they can be met in inexpensive, but quite effective remedies. Tree oil it – antiseptics and quite powerful, it is effective against pathogenic microbes, fungi and protozoa, well copes with dandruff, struggles with viruses, the same properties also tree wax possesses it.

Vitamin E
Almost constant component of natural cosmetics, both road, and segment massmarket. Except that it is powerful antioxidant (neutralizes free radicals, promoting rejuvenation), it possesses an easy UV filter. It is capable to keep for a long time cosmetics in working order.

Propolis and beeswax
Both of these ingredients in natural cosmetics perfectly work both as preservatives, and as the looking after components, and wax also serves as emulsifier, i.e. connects water and oil. Have antibacterial activity therefore with success are applied in cosmetics as preservatives, for a long time keeping freshness of cream, giving it density and special honey aroma.

Extract of rosemary, grapefruit, St. John's wort, birch, walnut – all of them also help natural cosmetics to keep the freshness during long time, protecting from damage.

Actually natural preservatives there are much more here listed and buying really natural cosmetic, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the producer about its storage and use, and you receive the safe looking after means on which it is possible to rely.