MY PRESERVATIVE PHILOSOPHY
Preservatives are very useful to big and small corporations. In larger environments, with tons of employees, there are lots more opportunities for harmful bacteria to be introduced into products. This is one advantage of the small, handcrafted company. Even still, caution must be taken and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, etc. is a consideration that must be taken seriously.
Many of us are trying to move away from harmful ingredients. Cheap synthetics may add convenience and increase profits, but they do little to support our overall health. With handcrafted products, alternative methods can be employed. The disadvantage is that natural preservatives do not hold products for the long amounts of times that synthetics offered. The expiration date on a naturally preserved product will likely be 4-6 months from the day of production. Products preserved with synthetics can last for 1 - 2 years or more. Businesses are able to make product well in advance and store it. This appeals to retailers because there's little chance of the product spoiling while it awaits purchase from consumers.
I've chosen not to use synthetic preservatives. I do so for the sake of my 3 daughters who could be exposed to pounds and pounds of these ingredients over the course of their lives. Since the skin, the largest organ of elimination, also absorbs I have made a conscious decision to be very particular about what goes on their hair and skin.
All that said, here are some nature-based alternatives.
Essential oils provide a good measure of protection. Rosemary essential oil in particular is a known antioxidant. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Honey, in addition to being a wonderful humectant, also offers a limited level of power in terms of killing harmful bacteria.
Vitamin E, with it's cocktail of tocopherols, is a natural way to preserve a product.
Finally, grapefruit seed extract, is a mighty natural preservative. It is also used internally (food-grade) to fight infections inside the body. According to some researchers, gse can be used to purify questionable water and ready it for safe drinking.
My oils and butters are preserved with essential oils and vitamin e. The absence of water (which the yuckies love) in oils and butters precludes the need for additional preservatives. In my water-based products, grapefruit seed extract is utilized to provide another level of protection in water-based spritzes where bacteria growth is more of an issue. I also rely on aloe for its researched bacteria fighting properties. Also, using water that is distilled and using sterilized packaging ensures that the product starts off on a clean foundation. A use-by date is provided on every container. It's been my experience that 6 months is plenty of time to use an average-sized product. I usually go through my products before 6 months. Natural preservatives systems are also more costly than synthetics. In my mind, it's worth it.
The consumer can do their part by keeping the products refrigerated or in a cool area. Bathrooms are breeding grounds for germs and other yuckies due to the warm, moist environment. Choose another storage area especially for water-based products. Keep products tightly closed. Do not put fingers into the containers when a dispenser has been provided. This lowers the risk of unwanted bacteria being introduced.
Properly handled, there is a minimum risk from naturally preserved products. Companies like Aubrey Organics are able to mass market product lines that do not utilize any synthetic preservatives. If for any reason you desire products that do use synthetic preservatives that are paraben-free, click the link for "Other Stuff I Dig". There you will find other product lines that provide some alternatives.
EVEN NATURAL or NATURE-BASED INGREDIENTS CAN BE ALLERGENS!! So if you have any allergies to the ingredients listed and need additional information, shoot me an email at hair2heaven@yahoo.com.
All the best,
~Ann