Salicylates And Chemicals P Limited

Cosmetic preservatives have strong antimicrobial properties which effectively prevent personal care products from spoiling. They also help in lengthening the shelf life of these products substantially. Usage of some of these agents also has the advantage of having stable effects that are able to keep the function of various active ingredients including anti-oxidants (vitamins), emulsifiers and surfactants.

But not all preservatives are safe. There is more awareness about environmental issues today and health concerns have given way to a new wave of eco-friendly products. These environment friendly products highlight on usage of pure natural sources in an effort to reduce health risks and ensure the well-being of our planet.

Synthetic preservatives like Parabens are widely used in most well-known cosmetic brands. Parabens are known to have adverse effects on the skin and is also a cancer causing agent. Since they are used in skin cosmetics like moisturizer and sunscreens, they penetrate the skin and migrate into the blood stream. The main reason behind using them is because cosmetics contain active ingredients which would go off if preservatives weren’t included and Parabens are anti-microbial. But there are alternatives available.

Preservatives are widely used substances that are commonly added to various foods, cosmetics as well as pharmaceutical products to prevent or inhibit the growth of microbes in them. These products are used on a daily basis and hence, need to have a long shelf life. Most of these products have high water content and hence, it is essential to add preservatives to avoid degradation.

Cosmetic products are as perishable as any other FMCG items that are available in the market. Though cosmetics offer a longer shelf life; they can become easily contaminated by bacteria and fungi in due course. Since most of them are water based or oil based and they also have peptises and carbohydrates, cosmetics are a very good medium for growth of microbes. Also, we store our cosmetics mostly in the bathroom where the environment is warm and moist. Our skin is a natural carrier of abundant microorganisms in addition to the tap water which in turn is not sterile. This water comes in to contact with our cosmetic products either accidentally or even on purpose. Under such circumstances, the most carefully prepared products may become contaminated. Hence, it is important that cosmetic products need the right kind of preservation to prevent microbial growth which spoils the cosmetic product and can lead to infection of the skin.