Toliver’s Handmade – Natural & Naturally Derived Skin Care
One of my main missions is to use natural and naturally derived ingredients. Many of these will be ingredients that you can pronounce. These ingredients have a whole host of benefits. So, what about preservatives?
Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol – What Are They?
You may have noticed phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol on your labels. So what are they and why are they in some of our products?
Phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol are the two components of the preservative Optiphen. Optiphen provides broad spectrum protection against bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Many skin care brands have stopped mentioning preservatives. Others have stopped using preservatives. There even some brands that use preservatives but don’t put them in the ingredients list! I refuse to do any of those things and here’s why.
- It is unethical (and illegal) to omit an ingredient in the ingredients list but still use it.
- Preservatives are not the enemy. Preservatives help to keep your product shelf stable and safe to use.
So, while you may not be able to pronounce the preservative names, I include them to keep you safe. No one likes moldy, bacteria and yeast filled cosmetics.
What could happen if you use a preservative free cosmetic? Well, the best case scenario is that you smell that it has gone bad before you put it on your skin and avoid it. But a product that has gone bad does not always smell or even look funny. The worst case scenario is that you apply it to an area where you have an open lesion and end up with blood poisoning. It isn’t worth the risk.
What kinds of products need preservatives?
Any product that contains water or other water like substances NEEDS a preservative. Water like substances include things like aloe vera, herbal infusions, and rose water.
Our products that contain preservatives include:
- Luxurious Body Cream
- Whipped Cream Soaps, and
- Emulsified Sugar Scrubs.
I’ll catch you in the next blog!
