Where appropriate, my products contain a preservative in order to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and fungi. The particular preservative used in a product is chosen for its suitability for the product type, specific formulation, and application, as well as its effectiveness.

While many essential oils exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is not possible to use them as the sole preservative due to the high usage rate required. The currently available preservatives based on essential oils possess an extremely strong odor that can be unpleasant. There is also concern about their use by people with sensitive skin due to the essential oils used and their amounts. I care about my customers' health, and will not use any ingredient I am not completely confident in, both in terms of its performance, and in terms of customers' safety.

The primary preservative I use is Liquid Germall Plus (Propylene glycol, Diazolidinyl urea, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate). Liquid Germall Plus is a paraben-free broad spectrum preservative that is highly effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, yeasts, molds, and commonly found organisms. It is compatible with most cosmetic ingredients and has no known inactivators. It is included at a maximum of .5% (1/2 of 1%). Liquid Germall Plus has a long history of safety in its use in personal care products.

About Formaldehyde: The use of formaldehyde in cosmetic products is safe to the great majority of consumers. There is no indication that the use of Diazonlidinyl Urea, as used in cosmetic products, would release formaldehyde at concentrations which would exceed the limits recommended for formaldehyde. [Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Diazolidinyl Urea J Am Coll Toxicol PG:229-45 YR:1990 IP:2 VI:9]

To my knowledge, the only preservative that works by actually releasing formaldehyde into the product is DMDM Hydantoin. The other common ingredients in preservatives, Imidazolidinyl urea and Diazolidinyl urea, do not work by releasing formaldehyde. They are called formaldehyde donors, and may release formaldehyde under the right conditions, which don't typically occur in personal care products manufactured, packaged and stored properly.

About Parabens: Despite the large number of websites warning about the use of parabens in products, and how they can cause cancer, there is no solid proof this is indeed true. Read more here

Custom Formulation:If you would rather a preservative that is paraben-free and is not a formaldehyde donor, I will be happy to discuss preservative options with you. Please visit the Custom Formulation page.