The question of the production of preservative free skin care has caused controversy within the beauty industry. Most professionals saying that natural skincare products can become unsafe because under-preserved cosmetics become a wonderful environment for bacteria and mold, and we risk slathering bacteria infested skincare on face. Preservative free means the product will have a very short shelf life. (1,2,3,4)
We develop and manufacture preservative free skin care for over 10 years. I totally agree with opinion above when we are talking about containing water skin care. Any product containing water needs strong preservatives to prevent growth of bacteria and mold. If you see a product with water listed—but no preservatives—this should alarm you and you better read this label with a sceptical eye, unless this is your custom made cream with instruction to keep it in a fridge and consume it within a week or two.
Unfortunately cosmetic industry is poorly regulated. Manufacturer can explore loopholes and hide preservatives from their labels just because they “look bad” to label-readers. For example, cosmetic manufacturer didn’t add parabens or other controversial preservatives during manufacturing but used preserved ingredients from his supplier. (1,2)
Suppliers often don’t disclose everything in their products, especially in patented ingredients. Also processing method is very important and for natural ingredients the country of manufacturing and even region can be crucial. For example, Australian macadamia oil is very different from Hawaiian macadamia oil. Australian macadamia oil differs significantly depending on whether the oil comes from QLD of NSW and different processing methods – cold pressed or extracted or both. Some Australian macadamia oils may have hidden chemicals as a consequence of extraction with the aid of chemicals. (7) Unless we know every supplier individually, their land management practice and exact extraction procedure the usual paperwork like Specification and Safety Material Data does not guarantee that ingredient is 100% chemical free. (7)
Is going preservative free possible? Yes, we found a way to make self preserved skin care with reasonably long shelf life. We have been researching different natural preservation techniques for over 20 years and achieved good results. For example, on stability shelf we have Jojoba butter with Australian Sandalwood oil and our Honey and Propolis butter dated 2006 and there is no signs of oil oxidation and no bacterial infestation.
Manufacturing of preservative free skin care takes long time beginning with research, meeting growers, formulating and testing new products. Also, such self preserved raw skin care needs to be manufactured in small batches and manufacturing can be compared with “slow cooking”. Our self preserved skin care is beneficial for everyone, especially people with sensitive skin, allergies and for babies. It is also ideal for skin protection in extreme weather conditions (cold, wind) where water based creams cannot be used because water freezes and damages skin.
Most of our ingredients are local, raw, fresh, and cosmetics are slow “cooked” at low temperatures. Freshness is very important for your skin and for our products self preservation. For example, fresh cold pressed macadamia oil is rich in vit E, which will preserve the oil for at least 2 years. Heating the oil during manufacturing would destroy naturally occurred preservative. Combining different raw natural ingredients, like honey, propolis, ocean salt, Australian essential and cold processed oils with naturally occurring vitamin E, may create synergetic self preserved versatile skin care products, which feel great on skin, have unique texture, leave skin velvety soft, moisturised, breathing and constantly rejuvenating. Another preservation technique we using is removing water from all formulations. No water means no environment for bacteria and mold to grow and multiply.
The next important preservation hint is to use vegetable oils with naturally long shelf life. Our cosmetics are mostly based on Australian macadamia oil, renowned for its non allergenic nature, unique skin compatibility and antioxidant properties. Macadamia oil is rich in natural vitamin E which is an antioxidant that preserves cosmetics naturally and also it is a great vitamin for the skin.
Macadamia oil is naturally rich in Palmitoleic acid which is a building material of healthy skin. Macadamia oil chemically is the closest to the skin oil, hence it is non allergenic oil because the skin takes it like its own. Macadamia based cosmetics restore the skin and protect the body. Our skin is the body’s largest organ and protective barrier against harmful elements and allergens. The skin is an important part of our immune system. Healthy skin is naturally intended to look beautiful and radiant.
Keeping our skin healthy is very important. Damaged skin barrier is proven to be the primary cause of atopic dermatitis and eczema, and may become a cause of other illnesses, like asthma. Australian research, conducted by Dr John Su from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, revealed that damage to the skin barrier allows harmful elements and allergens to penetrate into the deep layers of the skin. The usual damaging factors are extensive use of commercial soaps, detergents, cleansers, cosmetics with artificial preservatives, dyes, fragrances, the dry indoor climate, poor diets, pollution, frequent showers. Therefore our skin barrier is harmed repeatedly. The skin’s immune cells take up antigen and initiate typical Th2 immune responses, leading to atopy (dermatitis, eczema, asthma).”(5,6)
Our self preserved macadamia skin care is designed to repair damaged skin and protect the body from immune conflicts. We craft skin care from quality Australian ingredients in small batches. Our technological processes allow the product to retain naturally occurring preservatives. This what we believe your skin will like.
I hope you enjoy our products and will discover their unique personality, delightful aroma, uncompromising freshness, and a great range of effective applications.
If you have any questions, please contact us directly. We look forward
to hearing from you.
References:
- https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/beauty-and-personal-care/skin-care-and-cosmetics/articles/natural-and-organic-cosmetics
- https://www.wellandgood.com/good-looks/preservative-free-beauty-products-myths-facts/
- https://happyskincare.com.au/blogs/happy-news/keeping-skincare-products-safe-with-a-natural-preservative
- http://www.ebay.com.au/gds/All-natural-preservative-free-organic-products-How-/10000000176071222/g.html
- http://no-more-eczema.blogspot.com/2006/10/defective-skin-barrier-key-to-eczema.html
- http://www.cell.com/trends/immunology/abstract/S1471-4906(07)00124-X
- Prescatore. The Hamptons Diet. John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey, 2004
