Preservation of Moisturisers



Most cosmetic products contain water, and water is essential for microbial growth. The availability of nutrients will enhance the growth of microbes, and most cosmetic products contain ingredients that can act as a nutrient source. Emulsion-based products, such as moisturisers, tend to contain higher levels of nutrient sources than most other product types and, as a consequence, tend to require most robust protection from microbial growth. This chapter will discuss the reasons why antimicrobial preservation is required; the possible effects of no, or inadequate, preservation; and highlight the most commonly used preservatives available to solve the problem. There will also be a discussion on preservative blends, so-called ‘secondary preservatives’ and the position on ‘preservative free’ claims. Finally, both human and environmental safety are considered.

Given that the preservation of moisturisers has many similarities with the preservation of most other cosmetic products, most of the information given here is of a general nature and equally applicable to all cosmetics that require preservation.


Benzyl Alcohol Cosmetic Product Preservation System Dehydroacetic Acid Oral Care Product 


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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Azelis LtdHertfordUK

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