Many people used to buy cosmetics, mostly to see advertisements and listen to cabinet sisters; now it is different, everyone has begun to learn to pay attention to the product ingredient list, especially the preservatives marked above.
We also often receive similar inquiries from fans, send a photo of the ingredient list of cosmetics, want to know whether the preservatives in it are good, and hope that we can interpret it. What's more, there is also a question about whether so-and-so preservatives are toxic.
▲ Consultation screenshot
Are preservatives really that scary? Today we're going to talk about preservatives.
Preservatives are used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and ensure the safety of cosmetics.
The state has requirements for microorganisms in cosmetics, and it cannot be sold if it does not meet the standards. To meet the standards, you need the help of preservatives.
In addition, the shelf life and opening shelf life marked on the product are subject to strict anti-corrosion testing, and the cosmetics can be observed at different temperatures and humidity for how long the bacteria can be maintained. These shelf life is not set casually, so it is recommended that expired cosmetics are best not to use.
Product real shot
Some people will ask, is cosmetics so easy to grow bacteria?
Take, for example, a bottle of eye cream.
The product ingredient list is a real shot
As you can see, there are oils (squalane, mineral oil, etc.), water, and nutrients (some plant extracts, etc.). Coupled with the use of human skin, not too acidic or too alkaline, such an environment is too popular with microorganisms (bacteria, fungi).
If this bottle of eye cream does not add preservatives, it will soon become moldy and moldy under indoor conditions, and you may have to change your makeup in a few days. Compared with the irritating nature of some ingredients, the use of moldy and deteriorated products is more harmful to the skin.
It is precisely because of the presence of these preservatives that cosmetic products can be protected from microbial contamination, and we can use various cosmetics with peace of mind every day. In a way, they are also the guardians of beauty lovers.
While inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, it may irritate the skin, resulting in skin sensitivity. This may be the reason why everyone talks about "rotten" discoloration.
In fact, each preservative has different skin irritation, depending on their type, concentration, etc.
All countries in the world have made strict regulations on the use of preservatives, as long as they are within the scope of allowable use, they are generally safe. It's just that different individuals have different levels of tolerance to preservatives, and friends with sensitive skin should pay attention to it.
Standard screenshots
Therefore, everyone does not need to talk about "corrosion" discoloration, excessive resistance to preservatives.
For some preservatives (such as paraben) carcinogenic rumors, most of them are just speculation, there is no definite evidence, and the general increase is very small, and everyone does not have to worry too much.
Because many consumers talk about "rotten" discoloration, there will be merchants in order to comply with the wishes of consumers, advertise that their products do not contain preservatives, and the products will be gentler and safer. What is the truth? Are there really cosmetics that do not contain preservatives?
The image comes from the Internet
Admittedly, there are indeed a small number of cosmetics that do not contain preservatives, such as capsules, ampoules and the like. The amount is very small, fully sealed packaging, as long as it is not opened, it can be stored for a long time. However, it needs to be used up in a short time after opening, because it will be moldy and moldy after a long time.
Screenshot of the product detail page
There is also a category of skin care products that are pure oils, which have no moisture at all, and microorganisms cannot grow. Such products also do not require preservatives, such as the common jojoba oil.
There are also some raw materials with antiseptic functions, but these raw materials are not currently in the national list of preservatives (there are 51 kinds of preservatives approved by the state), such as caprylylhydroxamic acid, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, p-hydroxyacetophenone and so on.
The vast majority of preservative-free skin care products on the market now belong to this category, and these raw materials have many functions, which can be both antiseptic and antioxidant. Because there is no clear statement, there will be so many cosmetics that promote "no embalming".
Such preservatives are currently considered relatively safe and are increasingly used, but due to the relatively short use time, whether they are potentially harmful to the skin remains to be examined.
The times are developing, and preservatives are also updating and iterating. The preservatives used in the past will be gradually eliminated if problems are found in the process of use.
We have summarized the list of mainstream preservatives currently used in the industry, which are all available.
Of course, no preservative can be accepted by all people's skin. If there is an adverse reaction to the skin during use, it is necessary to find out the cause and find a way to avoid use in the future. Especially for those with allergic skin types, it is even more necessary to pay attention.
Preservatives are actually not so terrible, what is terrible is our perception of preservatives on the surface.
A good product is not only preservatives, not only a beautiful ingredient list, suitable for their own is the best, what do you think?