Natural vs. Synthetic Preservatives: What Really Matters
If you are given an option between a product that claimed itself as “natural” and one that sold itself as “synthetic” – which one would you choose? The beauty and skincare industry is full of natural skincare claims, combined with issues about the well-being of the planet. This leads to people choosing natural over synthetic skincare preservatives. But what exactly do these two terms means – natural vs synthetic preservative?
You might be surprised to know that natural is not always beneficial and synthetic is not necessarily harmful. When preservatives are catogerized as “synthetic” or “natural”, this is mainly because of the origin. Synthetic preservatives are derived from different sources such as petroleum, SLS, and more. While organic preservatives are processed under natural methods such as fermentation and distillation.
Both organic and artificial preservatives are beneficial when it comes to skincare formulas. When deciding which skincare formula to choose, think about which preservative will suit your skin’s unique needs the best. Let’s explore the benefits of natural vs synthetic preservatives and what really matters for your skin.
Understanding the Product Before Buying
When buying a product, it is important you take into consideration both safety and health well-being. We all are well aware of the skincare benefits of natural preservatives while a prolonged use of synthetic preservatives in cosmetics can cause skin problems such irritation, clogging, and more.
But unfortunately the reality is some beauty products claim to be natural when they are not. So how do you differentiate between natural and synthetic? Let’s take a look at them individually and understand them more.
What are Natural Preservatives in Skincare?
Natural preservatives are those that are obtained naturally without using pesticides, or any other synthetic substances. These preservatives are mainly plant derived or naturally-occurring ingredients such as essential oils, vitamins, plant extracts, and more. Natural preservatives are needed to prevent the growth of yeast, bacteria, and mold, thus maintaining the product’s freshness and safety.
It is a strict process for a product to be labelled as “natural”. The product needs to have a minimum of 95% synthetic free preservatives in it. The FDA strictly uses the term “natural” under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act and the Fair Packaging and Labelling Act.
Naturally preserved skincare products from a reputed company can nourish and hydrate your skin, making it radiant and dewy. While shopping for beauty products, you need to see carefully whether the products is natural or certified as natural. So, to clear your doubts further, let’s look at the benefits of natural preservative in beauty products.
Benefits of Natural Preservatives in Skincare
Let’s have a look at the advantages of natural preservatives in skincare formulations –
They are Non-allergenic
Natural preservatives are less subjected to cause skincare reactions such as irritation, inflammation or redness as they are free from harsh chemicals.
Works better on skin than the synthetic ones
Organic plants contain a higher number of important antioxidant vitamins as compares to non-organic plants. Since those plants are devoid of any herbicides or pesticides, the organic preservatives are free of any contaminants.
Supports cruelty-free cosmetics
The cosmetic industry has grown through criticisms saying that these companies use animals to test their products to verify they are safe for human use. Natural skincare products does not to go through this procedure as they contain natural preservatives that are safe and harmless.
Helps preserve the environment
Natural skincare products do not harm the environment as it contains natural preservatives that are derived from organic plants that consists no pesticides and fertilizers.
By purchasing naturally preserved cosmetics, you are reducing your environmental impact and promoting the long term viability of the ecosystem.
Examples of Natural Preservatives
There are healthier choices in preservatives and here are the most prominent ones.
- Natural Phenethyl Alcohol
This one is an all-natural preservative that is derived from corn. It boasts antimicrobial properties and fights yeast, fungi, and mold growth again.
- Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl alcohol is an almond-scented, aromatic alcohol. Deemed safe for use in foods by the US Food and Drug Administration, benzyl alcohol is an approved preservative under the COSMOS Organic Certification criteria.
- Phenoxyethanol
This is a popular natural preservative found in green tea and chicory. It is commonly used in cosmetic products and is often created in labs synthetically.
- Potassium Sorbate
This is a salt of sorbic acid and is naturally found in fruits. It is a broad-spectrum preservative deemed safe for use in organic skincare products.
What are Synthetic Preservatives in Skincare?
Synthetic preservatives are lab-made chemical ingredients added to beauty products that ensures product safety and shelf life. A lot dangerous chemical elements that cause long term skin irritation can be found in standard synthetic skincare products.
According to the reports, an average women uses 9 to 15 personal care products everyday. So, on a regular basis a woman can apply 500 to 515 different chemicals on her skin.
Benefits of Synthetic Preservatives
There are only a few benefits of using synthetic products that can act as a good emollient when applied.
Has Improved Batch Consistency
Synthetic ingredients are produced in a professional lab, offering significantly greater consistency and uniformity in batch quality.
Creates Kinder Options
Lab produced synthetic preservatives in skincare can provide more cruelty free options. For example, squalene is a moisturizing agent that is derived from shark liver – a not so natural skincare ingredient. While Squalene produced in a lab is derived from rice bran, sugarcane, and olives.
Safely Lab-created Preservatives
While synthetic preservatives can be dangerous, there are some that we as a cruelty free community appreciate.
Examples of Synthetic Preservatives
- Parabens
It is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare and personal care products. They have been linked to health issues including toxicity, skin irritation, and endocrine disruption.
- Triclosan
Triclosan, also known as TCS, is an antibacterial agent used as a preservative in antibacterial soaps, body washes, and some cosmetics.
- Diazolidinyl Urea
This is an antimicrobial preservative that releases formaldehyde and acts as a preservative in cosmetic products. According to research studies, it can trigger respiratory issues when inhaled.
- Benzalkonium Chloride
Last but not least, it is another preservative sometimes added to certain cosmetic products.
However, we have to say that it is this kind of preservative that has given preservatives a bad reputation in the skincare industry.
Final Thoughts
Cosmetic products containing natural preservatives are growing in popularity among people who want to keep their skin healthy. However, more people are still uncertain about synthetic and natural preservatives and don’t know what to use.
As the beauty industry is growing, it uses various words to define its products. Thus, confusing customers which product to rely on. Before buying any product, research about the brand, read ingredient labels, and verify any certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine natural and synthetic skincare products in my routine?
Yes you can combine both the products for effectiveness. The key is to choose products based on efficiency, safety, and compatibility with your skin.
Why do some natural products cause irritation?
Some natural products cause irritation due to the presence of active compounds that may be harmful for your skin.
Are all synthetic ingredients harmful to the skin?
No. Many synthetic ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and more are designed to support skin health.
Is natural skincare always safer than synthetic skincare?
Not necessarily. Some natural products can cause allergic reactions while some synthetic products are created in the lab that offers safety and stability.
