Common Skin Care Preservatives You Should Know About

Daily Beauty 

"Invest in your skin. It's going to represent you for a very long time." - Linden Tyler

Common Skin Care Preservatives You Should Know About

By Summer Summit Skin Care 

Glycerine, also known as glycerol, is a natural compound commonly used in skincare products. It is a colorless, odorless, and sweet-tasting liquid that is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products because of its moisturizing and emollient properties.

Glycerine is a humectant, which means it has the ability to attract and retain water. When applied to the skin, it helps to hydrate the skin by attracting moisture from the environment and locking it into the skin. This makes it an excellent ingredient for use in moisturizers, serums, and other skincare products that aim to hydrate and plump the skin.

In addition to its hydrating properties, glycerine also has a soothing effect on the skin. It helps to soothe and calm irritated skin, making it an excellent ingredient for use in products designed for sensitive or reactive skin types. Its ability to soothe the skin also makes it a popular ingredient in after-sun care products, as it can help to alleviate the discomfort associated with sunburn.

Glycerine is also known for its emollient properties, which means it has the ability to soften and smooth the skin. When applied to the skin, it creates a protective barrier that helps to prevent moisture loss, keeping the skin soft and supple.

Another benefit of glycerine is that it is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog pores. This makes it a suitable ingredient for use in products designed for oily or acne-prone skin types.

Glycerine can be derived from plant or animal sources. Vegetable glycerine is derived from vegetable oils, while animal-derived glycerine is obtained from animal fats. However, many skincare manufacturers now use plant-derived glycerine to cater to the growing demand for natural and vegan skincare products.

In conclusion, glycerine is a versatile ingredient that offers numerous benefits for the skin. Its ability to hydrate, soothe, and soften the skin makes it an excellent ingredient for use in skincare products. Glycerine is also non-comedogenic, making it suitable for use in products designed for oily or acne-prone skin. Whether derived from plant or animal sources, glycerine is a safe and effective ingredient that has been used in skincare for many years.

Phenoxyethanol and Polysorbate 20 are two common ingredients used in skincare products. Let's take a closer look at each of them and their uses in skincare:

1. Phenoxyethanol:

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that is used in skincare products to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. It is a colorless and odorless liquid that is commonly used in creams, lotions, and other skincare products. It has a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold.

Phenoxyethanol is a safer alternative to parabens, which are synthetic preservatives that have been associated with health concerns. It is considered to be a low-risk ingredient and is approved for use in cosmetics by regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union (EU).

In addition to its preservative properties, phenoxyethanol also has some moisturizing properties. It helps to hydrate the skin by attracting and retaining moisture, which makes it an excellent ingredient for use in moisturizers and other hydrating skincare products.

2. Polysorbate 20:

Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier that is used in skincare products to help blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is a clear and viscous liquid that is commonly used in cleansers, toners, and other skincare products.

Polysorbate 20 works by breaking down the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix together smoothly. This helps to create stable and uniform formulations that do not separate over time. It also helps to improve the texture and consistency of skincare products, making them easier to apply and spread evenly on the skin.

Polysorbate 20 is considered to be a safe and effective ingredient for use in cosmetics. It is approved for use by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and the EU and has a low risk of causing skin irritation or other adverse reactions.

In conclusion, phenoxyethanol and Polysorbate 20 are two common ingredients used in skincare products. Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that helps to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms and has some moisturizing properties. Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients and improves the texture and consistency of skincare products. Both ingredients are considered to be safe and effective for use in cosmetics and are commonly used in a wide range of skincare products.

Germall Plus:

Germall Plus is a broad-spectrum preservative that is commonly used in skincare products to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. It is a clear, colorless liquid that is effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold.

Germall Plus is a blend of two active ingredients: diazolidinyl urea and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate. Diazolidinyl urea works by releasing formaldehyde, which is a powerful antimicrobial agent. Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate works by disrupting the metabolic processes of microorganisms, which inhibits their growth.

Germall Plus is a popular preservative because it is effective at low concentrations and has a broad spectrum of activity. It is also compatible with a wide range of skincare ingredients and formulations.

Despite its effectiveness as a preservative, Germall Plus has been associated with some safety concerns. Diazolidinyl urea can release formaldehyde, which is a potential skin irritant and sensitizer. Formaldehyde is also a known carcinogen in high concentrations. However, the amount of formaldehyde released by diazolidinyl urea in cosmetic formulations is generally considered to be safe.

Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate has also been associated with some safety concerns. It has been found to cause skin irritation and sensitization in some individuals. However, the concentration of iodopropynyl butylcarbamate used in skincare products is generally considered to be safe.

In conclusion, Germall Plus is a popular preservative that is commonly used in skincare products to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. It is effective at low concentrations and has a broad spectrum of activity. However, it has been associated with some safety concerns, particularly with regards to the release of formaldehyde and the potential for skin irritation and sensitization. As with any ingredient, it is important to use Germall Plus in accordance with recommended guidelines and to be aware of any potential risks associated with its use.

Tetrasodium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid):

Tetrasodium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a chelating agent that is commonly used in skincare products. It works by binding with metal ions, such as calcium and magnesium, which are present in water and other ingredients, and preventing them from interacting with other ingredients in the formula. This helps to improve the stability and effectiveness of the product.

In skincare, Tetrasodium EDTA is used in a wide range of products, including cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. It is often used in combination with other preservatives to enhance their effectiveness.

Tetrasodium EDTA has been approved for use in cosmetics by regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union (EU). It is considered to be safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.

While Tetrasodium EDTA is generally considered to be safe, there have been some concerns raised about its environmental impact. When Tetrasodium EDTA is released into waterways, it can bind with metal ions in the water and form complexes that can be toxic to aquatic life. However, the concentration of Tetrasodium EDTA used in skincare products is generally very low and is unlikely to have a significant impact on the environment.

In conclusion, Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent that is commonly used in skincare products to improve the stability and effectiveness of the product. It is considered to be safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%. While there have been some concerns raised about its environmental impact, the concentration of Tetrasodium EDTA used in skincare products is generally very low and is unlikely to have a significant impact on the environment.

Citric Acid:

Citric acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is commonly used in skincare products. It is derived from citrus fruits and is often used in products such as toners, exfoliants, and peels.

Citric acid has a number of benefits for the skin. It works as an exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and improve the texture and tone of the skin. It also has antioxidant properties, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

In addition to its benefits for the skin, citric acid is also commonly used as a pH adjuster in skincare products. The pH of the skin is important for maintaining its barrier function and preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms. Citric acid is used in skincare products to adjust the pH to an optimal range, which can help to support healthy skin.

While citric acid is generally considered to be safe for use in skincare products, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin. It is important to use skincare products containing citric acid as directed and to perform a patch test before using a new product, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Additionally, citric acid can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. It is important to use sunscreen and limit sun exposure when using skincare products containing citric acid to minimize the risk of sunburn and other sun damage.

In conclusion, citric acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid that is commonly used in skincare products. It has benefits for the skin, including exfoliation and antioxidant properties, and is also used as a pH adjuster in skincare formulations. While it is generally considered to be safe for use in skincare products, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals and can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. It is important to use products containing citric acid as directed and to take appropriate precautions to protect your skin from sun damage.