A preservative is an ingredient whose role is to prevent the development of micro-organisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi) in cosmetic products.

Whether conventional or organic, a cosmetic cannot protect itself against aging and deteriorates from an organoleptic point of view (which relate to the sensory sphere). The smell can “turn”, the texture and the color change… This natural degradation of the product can even prove to be dangerous in certain cases.

If the law requires for all cosmetics placed on the market to be able to protect themselves from external microbial contamination (and therefore to contain a preservative for the most part), you are not obliged to submit to it if you manufacture your own homemade cosmetics. But you will quickly find that this type of product quickly becomes indispensable.

The purpose of a preservative is therefore to protect the cosmetic from ageing, but also to protect the formula from any external microbiological contamination.

+ Prevents your preparation from giving off an unpleasant smell, from taking on a cloudy color or appearance

+ Also prevents the active substances in your preparation from losing their effectiveness

+ Prevents the alteration of your preparation from causing allergies and various skin reactions

+ Preservative approved by the bio-ecological specifications

+ Made in France

As soon as there is the presence of water in your cosmetic preparation, the addition of a preservative is recommended. The most fragile products are :

- Lotions (only with aqueous phase)

- "Oil in water" creams, containing a significant aqueous phase

When your cosmetic preparations contain only fatty substances, it is not useful to put a preservative but only an Antioxidant, which will have the role of preventing the oil from going rancid (example: our Vitamin E).

In some marketed cosmetics, no preservative is added. This is even the preferred option by manufacturers when possible. But unfortunately this is not always the case.

Preservative-free formulation is possible through the use of suitable packaging or a special process :

- Airless pack: this is a packaging designed so that the product never comes into contact with the ambient air

- Sterilization (UHT type, as for milk) + adapted packaging, which remains sterile during use by the consumer (such as the Dermatherm product range). The implementation of this technology is very expensive and therefore remains relatively underdeveloped.

Preservatives are sometimes criticized because some can be allergenic or irritating. This is explained by the fact that they fight against any microorganism, which can disturb the microbial flora of the skin.

Manufacturers today have a good knowledge of preservatives. Preservatives are therefore carefully integrated into cosmetic formulas. They are then subjected to extensive testing to ensure their safety for consumers.

When making your homemade cosmetics, you will therefore have to be careful to respect the manufacturer's recommendations so as not to overdose.

The recommended dosage is 0.2 to 1% of the total weight of your preparation. The preservative is added to the preparation once finished and cold. Mix well to homogenize.

This preservative is integrated at the end of preparation in emulsions or in the aqueous phase within the limit of 1%. The pH of the final product must be below 7 for its effectiveness to be maximum. The preservative is soluble 1% in water and in alcohol. 

Homemade cosmetics keep less than cosmetics sold on the market. However, they can be kept for at least one month if the following conditions are met :

- Make suitable quantities (no more than 50 ml for a face treatment and 100 ml for a body treatment).

- Systematically add an antioxidant when the cosmetic contains a fatty phase (e.g.  natural vitamin E)

- Systematically add a bactericide / fungicide when the cosmetic contains an aqueous phase (our preservative)

- Store your creams in the fridge and use cosmetic spatulas to scoop out the cream

- Do not expose your products to strong light or high heat

Plus, a few simple precautions to get the most out of your cosmetics :

- Close your cosmetic products well after use: in contact with air, your cosmetic product may lose its qualities (fragrance, texture, etc.).

- Do not expose your cosmetics to bright light.

- Avoid sources of heat: radiator, window in the sun, rear shelf of a car, etc.

- Prefer tube bottles and when using jars, avoid plunging your fingers inside, but use a small clean spatula.

Benzyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid (Preservatives approved for Bio-ecological cosmetics).

Amber glass dropper bottle of 30 ml.

Although being an approved preservative for Bio-ecological cosmetics, these products are legally considered as a chemical substance which must comply with the CLP regulation (Classification, Labeling and Packaging) which defines the European rules for classification, labeling and packaging. packaging of chemicals. It is from their classification that the pictograms and safety phrases appearing on the label are defined:

CAUTION CONTAINS benzyl alcohol. Harmful if swallowed. Harmful by inhalation. Keep out of reach of children. If medical advice is needed, keep container or label at hand. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling this product. Avoid breathing mist/vapours/spray. IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER if you feel unwell. Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal facility.

Cosmo Naturel is a French brand with more than 45 years of scientific mastery and expertise in organic farming.

The Earth has always been at the heart of the values of the Cosmo Naturel range.

The earth, in the agricultural sense, because nature through plants with multiple benefits enriches Cosmo Natural treatments. The Earth, our planet, which the brand is committed to respecting and preserving as best it can, with formulas, packaging and manufacturing processes that respect the environment.

Cosmo Naturel is an innovative cosmetic brand, respectful of the environment with COSMOS ORGANIC certified products.

Products placing consumer safety at the heart of development for extremely gentle skincare products formulated with a selection of organic active ingredients.

Regarding the DIY Cosmo Naturel range : An exceptional recipe combining a touch of economy, a tablespoon of responsible consumption and a large dose of pleasure to obtain homemade cosmetic formulas perfectly adapted to the specific needs of your skin and your hair. . Enjoy the pleasures of homemade cosmetics by discovering the ingredients, accessories and basics of the DIY Cosmo Naturel range.